Classicism

I listened to Haydn's Symphony No. 83, nicknamed The Hen, on Classical WETA today. It is so nicknamed because of a recurring theme in the first movement that brings to mind the image of a hen walking, its head bobbing back and forth. The symphony was great fun to listen to.

Haydn and Mozart composed around the same time, and their styles were similar. They are often referred to as members of the Classical Period of classical music. Given the name of the period, this would mean that they adhered to universal musical standards to an even greater degree than did composers associated with other periods, and I would say this is true. The main criticism of Classical Period composers is that they did not take many risks, meaning there were certain interesting forms of music that were off limits to them. Still, their music's beauty is something to behold.

When first exposed to classicism in art, I believe it is natural to experience awe, as was the case when, as a child, I first saw pictures of Michelangelo's David. Having grown accustomed to it, though, we tend to tire of it and seek out new forms. But still later, having seen what there is to see, we tend to arrive finally at a new, profound appreciation for classicism. This coming full circle is the experience I and others have had with the music of Haydn and Mozart.