Description
Composed late in Haydn's life, this is regarded as one of his finest keyboard works, structured as an andante with variations. A melancholic theme in F minor alternates with a contrasting theme in the major, carefully tracing shifts of emotional color. At about nine and a half minutes, it combines Classical elegance with real expressive depth, suited to advanced players.
Works written in theme-and-variations form, where a single melody is transformed in many different ways.
About the Composer
Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)
Franz Joseph Haydn was a leading Classical-era composer from Austria who spent much of his career in service to the Esterhazy family. Often called the "father of the symphony" and the "father of the string quartet," he helped establish the Viennese Classical style with clear forms and witty invention. His numerous keyboard sonatas also served as a bridge to Mozart and Beethoven. This site includes 60 of his works, including movements from Sonatas Hob. XVI:27 and 28.
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