Concerto in D • Guitar and Chamber Orchestra • Johann Michael Haydn

Concerto in D • Guitar and Chamber Orchestra

ORCHESTRATION

• Oboe 1 (1 player)
• Oboe 2 (1 player)
• Horn 1 (F) (1 player)
• Horn 2 (F) (1 player)
• Solo Guitar
• Violin I (6 players)
• Violin II (6 players)
• Viola (4 players)
• Cello (3 players)
• Double Bass (2 players)
• Optional Keyboard Continuo (1 player)

Duration: ca. 17'00"

Johann Michael Haydn (1737-1806) was an Austrian composer of the Classical period and the younger brother of Joseph Haydn. Michael went to Vienna at the age of eight, his early professional career path paved by his older illustrious brother. By his 12th birthday, he was employed as a substitute organist at St. Stephen's Cathedral and was performing preludes and fantasies of his own composition. He wrote over 360 compositions comprising both church and instrumental music, and was acquainted with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who held his work in high esteem.

The Concerto presented here and adapted by guitarist Gregg Nestor, based on the composer's original orchestrations, was originally written for alto trombone. The complete manuscript is in the composer's hand, but the title page is missing and thus Haydn's original title is unknown. It is published here in three versions:

• Guitar and Piano or Harpsichord.
• Guitar and Chamber Orchestra. (2 oboes, 2 horns, soloist, strings and optional continuo (ideally played on harpsichord)
• Quintet for Guitar and String Quartet.

All three versions are viable for the concert stage, and should provide performers and audience with joy and pleasure.