MHST 520F Topics in the Classical Era:Haydn String Quartets
Joseph Haydn composed 68 string quartets in the years 1750 to 1800 – works that effectively defined the genre, but at the same time revealed the original and multifaceted imagination of their creator. The course will take a chronological approach, paying special attention to Haydn’s formal structures, counterpoint (fugues, in particular), rhetoric, key choices, extended string technique (particularly as his writing for strings aligns with contemporary pedagogy), elevation of the bass line, humor, tragedy, and pathos. We will also focus on Haydn as court composer, teacher, innovator, and inspirer of both Mozart and Beethoven. Classes will feature live performance whenever possible (string players are encouraged to enroll). Course requirements include a research project, oral presentations, and frequent quizzes. No midterm or final exams.