Haydn is described as the "Magister Ludi" (master of the game) and a "trickster" in his scores, continually appealing to the "homo ludens" (playful human) in listeners.
Album & Artwork
The album title "Mixis" refers to the Greek concept of mixture, reflecting the blend of elements in Haydn's scores and the pianist's intertwining with the composer.
Performer Biography
The first CD pianist Josu de Solaun ever owned, at age eight, was a recording of Haydn Sonatas by Alfred Brendel, given to him by Spanish philosopher Guillermo Quintás.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded in March 2021 at the Auditorio Ciudad de Granada, just weeks before the pianist's mother passed away from COVID-19.
Interpretation
Pianist Josu de Solaun states that this album is not a "historically informed performance" nor is it against such criteria; rather, it is a "sonorous love letter to the great Haydn."
Composer's Artistic Vision
Haydn's scores are characterized by "heteroglossia," a term coined by Bakhtin, meaning the mixture and coexistence of different musical varieties and registers.
Performer Biography
Pianist Josu de Solaun's first public recital at age ten featured a Haydn Sonata, marking the beginning of Haydn's significant presence in his life.
