After a long break, Haydn resumed composing keyboard trios in 1784, with the burgeoning popularity of the pianoforte driving demand for music for the new instrument.
Critical Reception
Haydn once threatened to withdraw his trios from his publisher Artaria due to numerous errors and poor engraving quality, stating that buyers would 'curse the engraver'.
Instruments
Haydn bought a new pianoforte from Wenzel Schanz to compose his trios Nos. 24-26, and he highly recommended Schanz's instruments for their light touch and pleasant action.
Composer Biography
Joseph Haydn, at age 29, became Vice-Capel-Meister to Prince Paul II Anton Esterházy, earning 400 Gulden annually, double his previous salary.
Composition History
Haydn's initial contract with Prince Esterházy forbade him from sharing new compositions or composing for others without permission, a clause that was removed in his 1779 contract.
Composer Biography
Haydn, one of the last composers to spend most of his career serving a princely family, was also among the first to make a good living by selling his music to publishers.
Compositional Technique
In some of his trios, Haydn allowed the flute to replace the violin, a choice influenced by the transverse flute's popularity in England, which resulted in a lighter and more joyful character.
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