Haydn String Quartet in E Flat Major, Op. 33, No. 30 "The Joke"
Nicole S. Moore*, Christina M. Scheperle, Amanda G. Day, and Brad J. Knoch
Dr. Brian X. Kubin, Faculty Mentor
In his string quartet, Haydn creates musical humor and animated banter of musical conversation through the use of simple motifs and unusual events. Composed in 1781, the classical tradition is exemplified by engaging both the listener and the players. The structure and form are typical of the period with the addition of little "musical jokes" throughout each movement. Movements 3 and 4, which are to be performed, contrast in both tempo and mood. Movement 3 is slow and lyrical while movement 4 is fast and sprightly. The final movement clearly demonstrates why this piece is nicknamed "the Joke."
Keywords: Haydn, Joke, quartet, string, classical
Topic(s):Music
Presentation Type: Performance Art
Session: 40-4
Location: OP Performance Hall
Time: 2:00