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Comparison of Mozart's "Haydn Quartets" to Haydn

he quartets of Opus 33. He "regarded these quartets of Haydn with special reverence and was moved to write six of his own."3 It is clear that Haydn had a strong influence on the composition of these works. In fact, Mozart once claimed: "I have learned from Haydn how to write quartets."4 Nonetheless, Mozart's unique personality and technical mastery are also apparent in these works. This paper will discuss the ways in which Mozart's "Haydn Quartets" are similar to the string quartets of Haydn.

Haydn and Mozart represent the classical style in music, which was popular during the late eighteenth century. This style placed emphasis on the use of standardized forms such as the rondo and the minuet. One of the most popular forms was the sonata, in which contrasting themes were developed through a series of variations. The classical composers were inspired by the arts of ancient Greece and Rome, and as such they sought beauty, balance and proportion in their works. The music of the period was generally commissioned by aristocrats and royals. The royalty of the time was especially interested in having small instrumental groups play at their social gatherings and official events. The music of these small groups was known as chamber music, because it was usually meant to be performed in a royal patron's private chambers.5 In order to suit the tastes of the aristocracy, this type of music was generally light and elegant. Both Mozart and Haydn were masters of the classical style. Haydn, born 24 years before Mozart, was an innovator in the development of the style. Mozart followed Haydn's lead and went even further by becoming a true master of classical forms. Mozart's works also show a strong sense of emotion, which adds to their power.

Haydn wrote more than 80 string quartets during his long career. By the early 1770s, "the four-movement format was standardized" in Haydn's quartets.6 After an exciting first movement in so...

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Comparison of Mozart's "Haydn Quartets" to Haydn. (1969, December 31). In LotsofEssays.com. Retrieved 07:10, March 29, 2024, from https://www.lotsofessays.com/viewpaper/1693165.html