Haydn: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 8

Jean-Efflam Bavouzet's acclaimed series of Haydn piano sonatas reaches its eighth volume. This album features three sonatas from the start of Haydn's career that were probably written for his students, as well as two more substantial sonatas from 20 years later. Bavouzet also performs two pieces that would later be arranged as slow movements in chamber works: one in a piano trio, the other in a string quartet.

Featuring

Jean-Efflam Bavouzet
Joseph Haydn

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Composition History

Haydn's Sonata No. 59, known as the 'Genzinger' Sonata, was composed during a period of correspondence with Maria Anna von Genzinger, a woman who meant much to him and provided a sense of 'true home' away from Eszterháza.

Composition History

Haydn initially labeled his early piano pieces 'Divertimento' rather than 'Sonata,' a term commonly used in Viennese circles for non-orchestral instrumental music at the time.

Composition History

Haydn began working with the Viennese publisher Artaria to gain control over his works, as previous editions in other cities were often error-ridden and published without his knowledge or economic benefit.

Recording & Production

This recording utilizes 24-bit / 96 kHz technology, which offers a dynamic range up to 48 dB greater and 256 times the resolution of standard 16-bit recordings, aiming for a better sound reproduction.

Composer Biography

Franz Joseph Haydn, after leaving the St Stephen's Cathedral boys' choir around 1749-50, earned a living by teaching harpsichord, primarily to ladies.

Composition History

Haydn's Sonata No. 51 was dedicated to the sisters Katharina and Marianna Auenbrugger, talented pianists and daughters of a music-loving doctor; Marianna was also a composer.

Composition History

The 'Gott erhalte Franz den Kaiser' anthem, for which Haydn composed the music, was commissioned by Count Franz Joseph von Saurau to be an Austrian anthem comparable to 'God Save the King' and an 'anti-Marseillaise'.