Classical Music | Piano Music

Franz Joseph Haydn

Variations in f minor, Hob. XVII: 6  Play

Spencer Myer Piano

Recorded on 08/22/2006, uploaded on 01/10/2009

Musician's or Publisher's Notes

Variations in f minor, Hob. XVII: 6              Franz Joseph Haydn

Marianne von Genzinger, a true friend of Franz Josef Haydn's, died in 1793. It is possible that this painful loss prompted the composer to write the Variations in f minor in that same year.  The source of inspiration remains a matter of speculation, however, as the work was originally written for Barbara von Ployer-a student of Mozart-and then in 1799 finally dedicated to Baroness Josefine von Braun. For Haydn this work conveys unusually deep emotions, from the poignant opening theme to the dramatic and passionate outbursts toward the end of the piece.  The formal structure is a so-called "double variation" in which two themes, one in f minor and another in F Major, alternate in differing variations. Whereas the theme in the minor key has a lamenting, mourning and tragic character, the theme in the major key is comforting and restful.      Spencer Myer

Classical Music for the Internet Era™