Elements of Franz Joseph Haydn\u27s character as seen through selected works with emphasis on the Mehrstimme Gesänge

F. Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) is known in music history as a great composer who typified the stylistic features of the classical period. He earned the titles Father of the Symphony, and Father of the String Quartet which reflect both his tremendous contributions to instrumental music and his perfection of the late eighteenth century musical style. Many people think only of Haydn as an instrumental composer­ not remembering the opera and sacred music he wrote. In fact, during the last twelve years of his long successful life, Papa Haydn, composed some of the greatest music ever written for the church. After writing almost exclusively for instruments, Haydn turned his talents to compositions that utilized the voice including solo repertoire and oratorios. Within this output is a little-known group of thirteen partsongs, Mehrstimme Gesänge, (1796-1799). These songs, written in Haydn\u27s leisure time, and con amore, are something of a window into Haydn\u27s personality reflecting many of the elements found throughout his compositions. His subtle humor, his contemplativeness and his devout religious convictions are themes found throughout the Mehrstimme Gesänge, yet the songs are only briefly mentioned (if at all) in articles concerning Haydn\u27s compositions and are performed even more rarely. The Mehrst1mme Gesänge offer a unique opportunity to explore a more intimate side of Haydn both through what has been written concerning these songs and through a conductor\u27s preparation for their performance. Studying the historical aspects of Haydn\u27s life is necessary before discussing the intricacies of the works and how these pieces might be performed