We're down to the final two pieces! From a list that included pieces by Scarlatti, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Chopin, Liszt, Debussy, Ravel, Rachmaninoff, Brahms, Copland, Barber, and Prokofiev, the Haydn Sonata from the Classical Period of music has survived! It now goes up against the winning piece in Susannah Steele's studio.
Haydn Sonata in D major, first movement
J. S. Bach Prelude and Fugue in C minor, WTC I, no. 2
Which is your favorite?
Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) was a composer from Austria. He got his start in music as a choir boy in Vienna's largest cathedral, St. Stephen's. As he grew and became a composer, he was discovered and hired by Prince Esterhazy to compose and direct the music of his court, a position that he held for his adult life. In addition to writing many works for piano, Haydn also composed symphonies, string quartets, and works for voice, including oratorios and masses. Much of his music exemplifies his lightness of spirit and sense of humor, both characteristics that we hear in the D major sonata!
I hope that you have all enjoyed listening to all of these great piano works over the past month!
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