Life of Haydn (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1893. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER II. 1754--1781. AT PRINCE ESTERHAZY'S. Haydn's Studies with Porpora--His Italian Operas--Engagement with Count Von Morzin--His First String Quartet--An Unfortunate Marriage--Domestic Troubles without End--Appointment as Capellmeister at Esterhaz--His Orchestra and Chorus--Rapid Musical Growth--His Most Important Earlier Compositions--Development of the Quartet--Personal Characteristics and Anecdotes--The Surprise Symphony--Influence of his Life at Esterhaz upon his Music. "His hours were occupied with lesson-giving and studies. Music so far monopolized his time that at this period no other than musical books came into his hands. The only exceptions were the works of Metastasio, and these can hardly be called an exception, as Metastasio always wrote for music, and therefore a Capellmeister who had determined to try his powers in opera ought to have been acquainted with his writings," says Dies. We know from Haydn himself that an Italian singer and opera composer was his last instructor in thor(40) ough-bass; and that he had composed much but was not firmly grounded, that is, was not correct and strong until he had the good fortune to study the fundamental principles of composition, with the famous Porpora. The Neapolitan, Nicolo Porpora was in Vienna from 1753 to 1757. He belonged to that early school of Italian opera which dominated neatly all Europe. The charm of melody predominated at this time and with it, the art of singing. They had reached their highest point. Smoothly flowing melody, however, was considered the main essential, and above all things, clearness and very simple harmonic structure characterized this school. Haydn played the accompaniments when Porpora gave singing lessons to the ten-year-old Martines and to the mistress of an am...