Divertimento in D Major for cello and piano by Franz Joseph Haydn
Freely arranged by Gregor Piatigorsky, after Pierre Ruyssen. Published by Elkan-Vogel
Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) was one of the greatest composers of Western classical music. A ceaseless innovator, he led the transition from the Baroque into the Classical period, refining and inventing many forms and genres and influencing countless composers, notably Mozart and Beethoven, whom he mentored. He became chiefly renowned for his humor, spontaneity, and inventive motivic development. He is known today as the “father” of the symphony and of the string quartet.
Haydn wrote many light, genteel works as a court composer under Prince Nicolaus Esterhazy, including many trios for the unusual combination of viola, cello, and baryton, an 18th century instrument of the viol family. In the 20th century, cellist Pierre Ruyssen arranged several movements from the baryton trios into charming divertimentos for cello and piano. Gregor Piatigorsky later expanded on Ruyssen’s arrangements, such as with this Divertimento in D Major, adding ornaments and modern reharmonizations to create the versions of the pieces students and professionals know and love today. Intermediate level, Grade 3.
