Concerto No. 1 in C Major, Hob. VIIa: 1 for violin and piano by Franz Joseph Haydn
Edited by Carl Flesch. Published by C.F. Peters.
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's Violin Concerto No. 1 in C Major, Hob. VIIa: 1 (c.1765), like his other violin concertos, was composed while in service to Prince Nicolaus Esterhazy. It is a transitional work, incorporating elements of the baroque ritornello form as well as looking forward to the sonata-allegro form of the modern classical concerto. The finale, in particular, brings to mind the colorful fireworks of Vivaldi's own string writing and is a fine display of Haydn's sense of wit. Advanced level, Grade 5.
