Haydn's 200th death anniversary gift

For those of you who didn’t know, this year marks the 200th death anniversary of classical composer Franz Joseph Haydn. A cornerstone of the Classical Period, Haydn’s contributions to the world of classical music include concertos, masses, symphonies, choral works, and operas. Haydn is often underrated and overshadowed by his prodigious contemporaries such as Mozart. Oftentimes referred to as making “quaint” or “square” tunes, he took a backseat while others shone in the limelight. His “safe” approach to music is highly regarded, though, as a good work ethic and dedication to one’s craft are very admirable traits.

Earlier this month The Manila Symphony Orchestra celebrated Franz Joseph Haydn’s Music, in a concert titled “Symphonic Virtuosity,” by playing his Symphony No.104 in D-Major. Under the baton of guest conductor Christoph Poppen, the group demonstrated how to honor a musical great — not only by playing his music, but continuing to excel at their craft with what can only be hard work and devotion.

The belief of the MSO is to develop Filipino musical artistry and to showcase Filipino musical talent, and they surely did not disappoint with “Symphonic Virtuosity.” These two qualities actually sound like things Haydn would pass on to his own students. Haydn is Austrian, but these definitely go deeper than mere nationality. After all, music is a great communicator, and it is meaningful in every language.

As an added bonus, the MSO also employed the talents of a young Filipino virtuoso, Diomedes Saraza Jr., who is a monster on the violin. At only 19, he is already slated to be a student at Juilliard and, from the caliber of his playing, doesn’t seem to be stopping just there. The way he makes the violin sing is heart-wrenching – deep, profound solos, full of emotion. Diomedes used to be one of the “Gifted Children” in early Promil ads; milk aside, there is no other way but to surmise that he was born with this gift.

In “Symphonic Virtuosity,” Diomedes played Paganini’s Concerto No.1 in D-Major, a fitting piece for someone who exudes raw talent. Paganini, back in the day, was quite the virtuoso himself, adept in a slew of stringed instruments, especially the violin. Paganini, like Diomedes, must have been a “gifted child” himself. What milk he drank, we will never know. But his contributions to violin playing are still fresh, with many young violinists making him their idol. He must have influenced Diomedes in some way, especially with how young Mr. Saraza tastefully uses harmonics and left hand pizzicato.

“Symphonic Virtuosity” closed with Ludwig Van Beethoven’s — Symphony no. 5 in C-Minor — one of the most recognized melodies from the Classical Period. I personally know this tune very well from Bugs Bunny and Looney Tunes cartoons, but as I would find out that night, those animators only use a snippet of the symphony. A bit on the dark side, yet still quite energetic, Symphony No. 5 in C-Minor is an emotional rollercoaster, if you’re game and willing.

There is a reason classical music is still alive today. It is because people like Haydn, who made people realize that his pieces were labors of love, that many musicians keep at it- believing that there is no greater thing than self-improvement and enlightenment. For his 200th death anniversary, he is actually giving us all a gift; a precious lesson that runs deeper than notes and melodies.

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E-mail me at enricomiguelsubido@yahoo.com