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For some reason Haydn seems to be neglected by many piano players. I would therefore like to draw some attention to his piano music. No less than 62 piano sonatas is assigned to him. Truly a few of them are lost, but still there is a large number to choose among.

For amateurs it is, of course, relevant to ask about their difficulty. Certainly some of them are hard, but there are also easier ones, and some movements are definitely within range for the majority of participants of this forum. Most of them are technically easier than the Mozart sonatas, but I wouldn't say they are less interesting.

One of the reason I appreciate this music so much is that it is "music to grow with". What I mean is that it is possible to make a decent performance of a Haydn sonata at a relatively early stage. From that stage it is possible to polish details and discover hidden melodic lines and subtle phrasing. Thus you will never be "finished" with a Haydn sonata.

I know only of the famous kid's piece, I think, an extact of a larger piece by Haydn. As a beginner, I cut and past in this forum any reference of any composer reference to his work that I might be able to play in near and distant future. I am sure that others and myself would appreciate an reference to Haydn's work. Thank you.

We are beginning to analyze Haydn's Sonata in C major XVI:50 in the Classical Sonata Analysis thread. Come join the fun, all you lovers of Haydn! Plus there are some links to some nice performances by Hamelin and Brendel. Come have a listen!

Yes, we discussed Haydn's Hob XVI/8 in the thread in early September alongside Clementi's first sonatina. We are just now starting to look at his Sonata in C, Hob. XVI/50.

The first dozen or so of his sonatas are similar in scope and difficulty to Clementi's six sonatinas, the remainder are on a par with those of Mozart, grade 6 to 8 material in ABRSM terms, and none harder than Mozart's K.576 so they're all within the scope of any normal player with five to ten years of directed, progressive study.

Where Beethoven's sonatas are deep, philosophical, elemental and passionate, Mozart's are divinely inspired but Haydn's speak to our humanity. They are full of joy, charm and wit.

The Sonata in C included? Having had a listen I was not thinking of attempting it, short of having a dedicated year set aside. I like him and would like to add him to my Repertoire of composers, but not inclined to start with this one.

Any others to suggest? Perhaps I'll go back and take another listen to Hob XVI/8.

Greener, you might have a look into Hob XVI:11.
Maybe that one's for you?

Thanks, I will give it a try. There are a few in the easier batch that Richard has mentioned that may also be candidates. There won't be a rush on any of them just yet though, as my plate is pretty full with Chopin, Mendelssohn and Schubert. Thanks for this suggestion though.

I also, really recommend the Classical Sonata Analysis thread for anyone having the time and interest, and Haydn has center stage currently. There has never been a shortage of new material. The challenge for me is in deciding which ones to add to the hopper.

I have startet my first Haydn Sonata in September and I really enjoyed it.

My teacher gave me two Sonatas Hob XVI:G1 and Hob XVI:Es2 and I choose Es2 to learn.

Here you can listen to G1: Hob XVI:G1

I couldn't find Es2 on YouTube but here you can download the 3 movements: Hob XVI:Es2

Hob XVI:Es2 is a little bit more difficult and also longer but I really love to play it.

Best regards, KS

My piano teacher is a big jazz music theorist and improviser and teaches Haydn to his more advanced students for repertoire studies.

For those wanting to try a pretty brilliant, but not too difficult Haydn sonata movement, I suggest the finale of the e-minor sonata, HOB XVI/34. I don't think it is necessary to play it at very high speed, but rather emphasise the phrasing which is important in Haydn's pieces.

I'm working on HOB XVI/46 in A-flat major. My agenda is to play it with great delicacy, and then it becomes pretty challenging, but very rewarding to work with.

Haydn had a great sense of humor, and you can hear it in his sonatas. I really enjoy the F major sonata, Hob. XVI 23. Lots of fun:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFmeCUTCLDM

I would rate many of Haydn sonatas at the late intermediate/early advanced level. This one in particular is probably early advanced.

This is another of my favourites. Following this first movement, there is a beautiful, almost romantic adagio and a very vivid presto finale. But as it is said, it is not a beginner piece. Still it is easier to play than most Mozart sonatas.

H16/46 is a beautiful piece, Ganddalf, the build up to the climax is so ethereal. The Adagio begins sounding very like Mozart and finishes sounding much more like Beethoven, truly wonderful and uncharacteristically long for Haydn.

H16/23 also has a longer Adagio - and a fine one.

H16/27 and H16/37 are justifiably popular at about the same level.

Easier sonatas at about the level of Clementi's middle sonatinas are H16/10 and H16/14.

H16/8 is about the same level as Für Elise.

Anybody getting ideas for an even bigger themed recital?