Presents
Michael Haydn
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Divertimento in F Major for 2 Violins, 2 Violas and Violoncello, MH 411
Michael Haydn (1737-1805) was the younger brother of Joseph Haydn. Joseph, when asked why he never wrote a string quintet, answered because no one had commissioned him to write one. Michael received the same musical training as his brother in Vienna and eventually settled in Salzburg where obtained the position of music director. Like most composers of the time, he wrote a lot of music but none of it seemed to get the attention of that which Joseph’s received. He wrote five, some say six works for a string quintet consisting of 2 violins, 2 violas and cello. However, he dubbed only one of these Quintetto. The others all bear titles such as Notturno or Divertimento.
The Divertimento in F Major dates from the mid 1780's. It is in seven movements--Allegro aperto, Menuetto, Andante, Menuetto allegretto, Un poco allegretto with six variations, Rondo, vivace assai and Andante marcia. Like Mozart's divertimenti, it was meant to be entertainment or light music and not a serious work for the concert hall. The work sports good part writing and not at all hard to play. It can be recommended for concert performance as to amateurs who are sure to enjoy it.
Our new edition is based the Traeg of Vienna edition of 1786.
Parts: $29.95
Parts & Score: $39.95
