Dissertation Index



Author: Grossman, E. Lary

Title: Fugal Procedures in the Symphonies of Joseph Haydn

Institution: Northwestern University

Begun: September 1987

Completed: December 1993

Abstract:

While the 106 symphonies of Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) have long been regarded as a virtual catalog of orchestral technique in the eighteenth century, the present analysis explores the contrapuntal technique employed by Haydn. This study reveals a wide range of technique extending from imitative entries in a baroque style to a less rigid classical style; canon; invertible counterpoint; baroque techniques such as the "echo" movement and "reverso canon"; and, the "learned-style" of a fugue (Nos. 3/IV, 40/IV, 70/IV, 95/IV, 101/IV).

Only these five use a fugal procedure. Not only are these all in the finale and varied in their form and complexity, but the five span the entire thirty-five years of Haydn's symphonic composing. This dissertation provides an analysis of these five movements and in conclusion presents a rationale for Haydn's use of the form predicated on contemporaneous social events.

Keywords: symphony, fugue, counterpoint, Haydn

TOC:

1. The fugal symphony movements of Haydn
2. Haydn's Symphony #3: Finale
3. Haydn's Symphony #40: Finale
4. Haydn's Symphony #70: Finale
5. Haydn's Symphony #95: Finale
6. Haydn's Symphony #101: Finale
7. Conclusion

Contact:

E. Lary Grossman, PhD
24 King Street
Hatfield MA 01038
elg@bradygrossman.com


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