This is a two part arrangement for piano/keyboard of this familiar piece from the string quartet repertoire. The music possesses classical beauty and is sustained in its quality and whilst attributed to Haydn is now known to have been composed by Roman Hoffstetter. The music in the movement does sound easy to play although there are challenges in playing music of this era well and musically. In performance, the articulation of the notes needs to be consistent - the melody is to be played legato (Andante Cantabile) and the accompaniment staccato or at least in a detached manner. A tempo of 90 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the bar is suggested. The repeats do not play in the realisations and in a performance are probably not needed. The sheet music score has suggested fingering is in place. An ideal concert item because the music epitomises and breathes the spirit of classical music although surprisingly not composed by one of the famous and familiar classical composers.This is an excellent movement for developing an understanding of performance practice and the understanding of dissonance, harmonic rhythm and other musical elements that feature in compositions from the classical era. The melody can be played with some differences to the phrasing and articulations indicated and suggested in the score. The ornaments, acciaccaturas (crushed notes) which are always a confusing element in music performance are probably best omitted in the early stages of playing the movement. One of the best reasons to play classical music is that it is a positive element in giving players an awareness of basic structures and shapes in music. Additionally, it is also one of the best ways of developing a secure performing/playing technique on an instrument. Classical style features elements of contrast particularly with regard to key and dynamics. There is also a strong repetitive element that requires music to played with simplicity and consistency. The melody can be played with a variety of articulations but in the first instance particularly as an ensemble piece a legato approach is suggested. How the melody is shaped and played in the opening section is how the melody should be played for the rest of the movement. Listening to a number of performances of the score the music it is surprising how different interpretations can be particularly in respect to tempo, articulation of the melody line, the range of dynamics used and particularly the interpretation of ornaments whether appoggiaturas or acciaccaturas. Instrumentalists should appreciate that classical music can be interpreted differently and what is indicated on the page particularly with regard to ornamentation, phrasing and articulation are discussion points. Listening to available recordings will give an awareness how differently the same music can be played but appreciate that the music editor has been intent upon producing a score that is both consistent and has clarity. The repetitive element in the melodic writing is strong whilst the melody line combines chordal and stepwise shapes. The appoggiaturas do often create dissonance in the melodic line whilst the chromatic harmonic colour add to the music’s appeal and interest. In the PlentyMusic score the appoggiaturas (leaning notes) have been notated as they are to be played while the acciaccaturas (crushed notes) are indicated as ornaments with the appropriate symbol. Roman Hoffstetter, the composer of this music, was interestingly a Benedicine monk, strongly influenced by Haydn in his music so much so that this perfect imitation of Haydn’s style has in the past been assimilated into Haydn’s own catalogue. This PlentyMusic score was reviewed in 2023.
