Haydn Piano Sonata in Eb

My history of music professor was self-admittedly "obsessed" with Haydn, and I have always been able to see why. Haydn is one of those composers who I talked about in my last post - he excels in both technical skill and dramatic sensitivity, and combines them flawlessly. This piano sonata represents that mix. It may not have the depth of an orchestra, but it is still able to tell a complex story. Haydn varied dynamics and pacing for depth. Listen for the elegant mood changes that maintain suspense throughout - those are what really stand out to me.

It has been one of my favorite piano pieces for a long time. It represents just one section of Haydn's total ability, but I think it is one of his best.