A mentor to Mozart and teacher of Beethoven, Joseph Haydn is known as
the "Father of the Symphony"--and now even beginning pianists can master
many of his most memorable works. This collection focuses on the
composer's melodies and style to provide a satisfying and accessible
introduction to the Austrian composer's oeuvre. Presented in gradually
increasing order of difficulty, the pieces feature simplified keys and
suggested fingerings.
Selections include the opening of Haydn's "Surprise" Symphony No. 94,
famous for its musical joke of a sudden fortissimo chord, as well as the
openings for Symphony No. 44 ("Trauer"), Symphony No. 49 ("La
passione"), and Symphony No. 104 ("London"), in addition to the second
movements of Symphony No. 59 ("Fire"), Symphony No. 100 "Militaire," and
Symphony No. 101 ("Clock"). Other pieces include the Benedictus and
Kyrie from Mass in Time of War, The Lark, The Master and the Scholar,
and a variety of sonatas, allegros, and other pieces. All thirty-five
selections are available as downloadable MP3s.