Haydn’s D Major Harpsichord Concerto
Joseph Haydn's Keyboard Concerto No. 11 in D major was written between 1780 and 1783, and published in 1784. It was originally composed for harpsichord or fortepiano and scored for an orchestra in a relatively undeveloped galant style characteristic of Haydn’s early works, and has a lively Hungarian Rondo finale. It also displays some similarities to Mozart's piano concertos reflective of a later style.
Haydn’s association with Gypsy music has been well established in his use of Hungarian tunes in his early divertimento and notturnos as well as the famous ‘Gypsy’ piano trio. This influence is no surprise given the location of his main employment with the Esterházy family in the centre of Hungary. There were no doubt numerous performances by Gypsy musicians at the court festivals.
The last movement of the D major harpsichord concerto is entitled Rondo all’Ungarese (Hungarian Rondo). We hear many of the gypsy traits with the use of syncopated rhythms, crushed gracenotes.
Things to listen for:
Notice how Haydn creates variety by opening the movement with the harpsichord solo shadowed by the strings and then fills out the theme at [0:09] where the full orchestra comes in with the Rondo theme.
Listen for the interesting crushed ‘gypsy’ grace notes he features in the harpsichord part at [0:20]
Pure joy happens at [0:40] with an extremely jolly unison version of the Hungarian theme is employed. This is one of my most favourite moments in the whole movement.
LISTEN HERE:
Recording: The Australian Haydn Ensemble with Erin Helyard. Guest leader: Marc Destrubé