In the late 18th century, an 'opus' of sonatas usually contained a work in a minor key, even though at least 90 percent of music was composed in the major.
Composition History
Haydn dedicated three piano sonatas (Hob. XVI:40-42) to Marie Hermenegild von Esterházy, a 16-year-old princess in the princely house he served, who was a skilled pianist.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Joseph Haydn composed his works at the keyboard, improvising and letting his spirit wander to develop and sustain his ideas.
Instruments
Haydn was inspired by the extended sonic possibilities of the fortepianos made by the English firm Broadwood when composing his last three sonatas.
Composition History
Haydn often delivered his sonatas and string quartets in groups of three or six as a single 'opus' to patrons or publishers, allowing for 'diversity in unity'.
Composition History
Haydn's Sonata in E flat major Hob. XVI:49 has two dedicatees: Maria Anna Gerbischek, who commissioned it, and Marianne von Genzinger, with whom Haydn had an amicable correspondence and may have been in love.
Historical Context
The piano was the preferred instrument for noble and middle-class women, who had ample time to practice.
