Album insights
Haydn's three decades serving the Esterházy family fostered one of the most artistically fruitful relationships in the history of musical patronage. In the mid-18th century, the Esterházys, the wealthiest and most powerful family in Hungarian aristocracy, were based in Eisenstadt, a small town in the Burgenland mountains south of Vienna, close to the modern Austro-Hungarian border. Prince Paul Anton Esterházy established a permanent orchestra and introduced seasons of theater and opera performances in the 1750s. Haydn joined as deputy Kapellmeister in 1761, later becoming the Kapellmeister at the court.
In 1764, Paul Anton's successor, Prince Nikolaus, known as "The Magnificent," visited Versailles for the first time and was inspired to build his splendid palace upon returning to Hungary. By 1766, Schloss Esterháza, located on the southern shores of Lake Neusiedl, was almost complete. Haydn moved there, and the palace, named Esterháza, became the summer residence of the Esterházys—though they wintered in Eisenstadt due to the damp climate. The palace boasted remarkable facilities, including an opera house, puppet theater, and a music house with over ninety rooms.
By the early 1780s, after about twenty years with the Esterházy family, Haydn began to rebel against the claustrophobic environment of Esterháza, seeking permission to visit Vienna in winter. He started composing more for external institutions, straying from the terms of his original contract. These actions marked a turning point for Haydn, reflecting his increasing recognition across Europe. His symphonies were regularly featured in concert programs in Paris and London by the late 1770s.
At the time these three symphonies were composed, Haydn had already spent two decades serving the Esterházy family. The symphonies showcase a well-established four-movement form, each with distinct features. Symphonies 73 and 75 exhibit a slow introduction to their opening movements, a trademark of Haydn's style. The diverse movements range from simple violin and cello duets to grand, celebratory compositions. The minuets reflect a blend of rustic and noble themes, while the finales are lively, unique, and memorable in their own right.
Symphony No. 73 is directly linked to Prince Nikolaus, drawing inspiration from Haydn's opera "La fedeltà premiata" in its finale. The slow movement of this symphony borrows from one of Haydn's German songs. Symphony 74 and 75 likely preceded Symphony 73, showcasing different thematic connections. Symphony 74, for instance, was first published in London in August 1781. Symphony 75, on the other hand, connected with an English clergyman during one of Haydn's trips to England in 1792.
In summary, Haydn's compositions during this period illustrate his evolution as a composer and mark his growing acclaim across Europe, proving integral to the musical landscape of his time.