By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
This year marks the 200th anniversary of the death of ``Symphony Father'' Joseph Haydn (1732-1809). Various paternal attributes have been given to the Austrian court composer, whose career coincided with the development of classical styles and forms ― the symphony, string quartet and others.
Some of the most esteemed specialists of the late maestro ― the Haydn Philharmonie and Haydn Trio ― will pay homage through concerts. Also joining the players is esteemed cellist Mischa Maisky.
Haydn's 108 symphonies, written between 1759 and 1795, range from works written for the relatively modest local court orchestra comprised of a couple of oboes, horns and strings, to the greater-scale ones that we are more familiar with today.
The Haydn Philharmonie was founded for the very purpose of performing Haydn's works in the place he lived and worked for 30 years, the Esterhaz Palace in Eisenstadt, Austria. The ensemble also unites Austro-Hungarian musicians. Since 1989 it has hosted the International Haydn Festival, one of the most exciting classical music events of the season.
The orchestra will visit Korea for the first time next week, and will give concerts Nov. 25 at Goyang Aram Nuri Arts Complex, Gyeonggi Province and Nov. 26 at Seoul Arts Center.
Renowned Haydn specialist Adam Fischer will conduct the ensemble for Symphonies Nos. 104 ``London'' and 45 ``Abschied.'' Maestro cellist Mischa Maisky will join the stage for Cello Concerto No. 1. Call 1577-7766 (Goyang) or (02) 599-5743 (Seoul).
In addition to playing with the Haydn Philharmonie, Maisky will give a recital tour across the country beginning Wednesday night at Uijeongbu Arts Center, Gyeonggi Province. He will continue with performances Thursday at Jinju, South Gyeongsang Province; Friday at Seoul Arts Center; Saturday at Incheon Culture & Arts Center; Sunday at Gyeongsangnamdo Culture & Arts Center; Nov. 22 at Mokpo Citizen Culture & Sports Center, South Jeolla Province; and finally Nov. 23 at Busan Cultural Center.
The cellist will perform D minor sonatas by Debussy and Shostakovich; Rachmaninov's ``Vocalise'' and Beethoven's ``Seven Themes on a Variation From the Magic Flute,'' among others. A point of interest is that Maisky's daughter Lily will accompany him on the piano. Call (02) 599-5743.