April
Fools’ Day (also known as All Fools’ Day) has been around for several hundred
years. Although it’s not clear exactly where and how the tradition began, many
historians believe the fun all started back in the sixteenth century when
France switched from using the Julian calendar that observed New Year’s Day on
April 1st, to the Gregorian calendar, which recognized January 1st
as the start of the new year. Many folks apparently missed the memo on this
change, so they became victims of practical jokes. The rest is history.
When
many people think of classical music, they think of something very high-brow
and serious – not true! Let’s have some fun with a few of our favorite
composers who enjoyed a little humor.
Let’s
start with Mozart. Did you know he wrote a piece that he called “A
Musical Joke”? That’s right – the musical genius of the eighteenth
century decided to have a little fun with his Divertimento for two horns and string
quartet, K. 522. In it, it seems Mozart is making fun of less-adept composers
of his time. He pokes fun at the rules of composition strictly adhered to
during the classical era by using odd instrumentation, horrible counterpoint,
and writing in a way that makes the performers sound as if they are messing up.
If you only listen to part of the piece, skip to the final measures – yikes!
Polytonality was NOT a common compositional device during Mozart’s time!
What
about the Academic Festival Overture
by Brahms? He wrote it at the request of the University of Breslau after they
gave him an honorary doctorate in 1880. They asked for a symphony, and he
responded with an arrangement of student drinking songs. Now that’s funny!
If
I had to choose one composer who stands out as the best practical jokester, it
would by Haydn. Where to begin in talking about the humor he slips into many of
his works? Well let’s start with his String Quartet in E-flat
Major, Op. 33/#2, also known as “The Joke.” During the final
movement of the quartet, Haydn leads the listener into believing the piece has
finished. He does this several times until the audience has no idea when to
applaud! Finally, he concludes with a final appearance of the opening phrase of
the main theme. You can’t help but giggle when you listen to “The Joke”!
Have
you heard Haydn’s Farewell Symphony?
He wrote his Symphony #45 as a hint to Prince Nikolaus Esterházy to allow his
orchestra members to return home to see their families after an extended stay
at the prince’s summer home. During the final part of the symphony, members of
the orchestra gradually begin to put their instrument down and walk off the
stage, leaving only two violins at the end!
Haydn’s
Symphony
#94 is known as the “Surprise” symphony. Do you know why? Give it a
listen and let me know what you think in the comments below!
What
other funny classical pieces do you enjoy? Let us know! And be sure to check
out WGUC’s April Fools content on our website,
posted in memory host Frank Johnson, who passed away in March 2019.
