Haydn’s Symphony No. 8, “Le Soir,” concludes a symphonic triptych (Nos. 6-8) which was impressed by the motion of the solar all through the day. The primary two works on this programmatic collection are “Le Matin” (Morning) and “Le Midi” (Afternoon).
The three symphonies have been first carried out throughout a single night in 1761 on the Esterházy Palace in Vienna, not on the aristocratic household’s official residence 30 miles exterior town. They marked the start of the 29-year-old composer’s lengthy and ingenious tenure as Kapellmeister for the Esterházy courtroom. The affect of the Baroque concerto grosso, with its interaction between the total ensemble and solo devices, is obvious in these early symphonies. Out of this established type, we will hear Haydn crafting the daring, new type which might develop into the mature classical symphony.
In contrast to the 2 works which precede it, Symphony No. 8 doesn’t start with a stately introduction. As an alternative, the primary motion (Allegro molto) plunges headlong right into a jubilant gigue, set in 3/8 time, in sonata type. It quotes a frolicking melody from Christoph Willibald Gluck’s 1759 opera, Le diable à quatre, with the frivolous title, Je n’aimais pas le tabac beaucoup (“I didn’t like tobacco a lot”). The motion’s second theme grows out of this preliminary theme. It’s music crammed with jokes and the form of virtuosic abandon which might have showcased the extraordinary ability of the Esterházy orchestra.
The second motion (Andante) includes a collection of duets, first between two violins, after which between the bassoon and cello amid sneaky interjections within the strings. Earlier than the motion concludes, it takes a flip in direction of the drama of operatic recitative.
The Minuet units the stage for a trio part which locations the solo double bass within the highlight. Within the efficiency under, the bass participant doesn’t appear to need to relinquish his solo function, and a comedy routine ensues.
The ultimate motion (La tempesta: Presto) provides an exhilarating depiction of a late night thunderstorm. Gusts of wind sweep the music ahead amid the percussive sound of pounding raindrops within the solo violin, cello, and flute. Later, Haydn returned to this music for the same depiction of a storm within the oratorio, The Seasons. With reckless abandon, the music arrives at its exhilarating ultimate cadence.
This 2019 efficiency options the Italian ensemble, Il Giardino Armonico, led by Giovanni Antonini. The recording is a part of the Haydn2032 initiative, through which all 107 Haydn symphonies can be carried out within the run-up to the three hundredth anniversary of the composer’s delivery.
Recordings
- Haydn: Symphony No. 8, “Le Soir,” Hob. I:8, Giovanni Antonini, Il Giardino Armonico linnrecords.com
Featured Picture: “The 4 Instances of Day: Le Soir” (1776), Gilles Demarteau
