His Symphony No. 45 earned the moniker "Farewell Symphony" due to its innovative and poignant ending, which Joseph Haydn cleverly designed to send a subtle message to his employer, Prince Esterházy, regarding his musicians' desire to return home.
The Genesis of the "Farewell" Symphony
In 1772, Prince Nikolaus Esterházy and his court, including the esteemed composer Joseph Haydn and his orchestra, were spending an extended period at the Prince's summer palace in Eszterháza. Many of the musicians had left their families behind in Eisenstadt and were growing increasingly weary and homesick as their stay continued longer than anticipated. To their dismay, the Prince expressed a desire for them to stay even longer.
Recognizing his musicians' plight and sympathizing deeply with their longing to return home, Haydn devised an ingenious plan. Instead of directly petitioning the Prince, he composed a new symphony that would subtly convey their collective wish to depart.
The Symphony's Unique Conclusion
The Symphony No. 45 in F-sharp minor, known today globally as the "Farewell" Symphony, features a highly unusual and memorable finale. Unlike typical symphonies that conclude with a grand flourish, this one includes a special ending that directly communicated the musicians' longing for rest:
- Gradual Departure: During the final slow movement (an Adagio), one by one, the musicians stop playing, extinguish their candles, and quietly leave the stage.
- Diminishing Ensemble: This gradual departure continues until only two violinists remain on stage, playing the very last notes.
- The Message: The dwindling number of performers and the symbolic act of leaving the stage served as a clear, yet polite, visual plea to the Prince, illustrating the need for the musicians to take their leave.
This creative and empathetic approach successfully conveyed Haydn's message. The Prince, understanding the implicit plea, reportedly remarked, "If they all leave, we must leave too," and indeed, the court returned to Eisenstadt the following day.
Key Elements of the Farewell Symphony's Design
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Historical Context | Extended stay at Eszterháza, causing homesickness among court musicians. |
| Composer's Intent | Joseph Haydn's compassionate effort to subtly influence Prince Esterházy to allow his musicians to return home. |
| Musical Innovation | The groundbreaking use of a programmatic musical and theatrical device (musicians leaving mid-performance) to convey a message without words. |
| Symbolic Action | Each musician extinguishing their candle and departing represented their wish to conclude their work and return to their families. |
| Impact on Prince | The Prince understood the clever and respectful message, granting the orchestra's implicit wish. |
This brilliant musical and theatrical gesture not only achieved its immediate goal but also cemented Symphony No. 45's place in history with its evocative "Farewell" moniker, showcasing Haydn's wit, empathy, and mastery of musical expression.
For more information on the life and works of Joseph Haydn, you can explore resources like his biography on Wikipedia.
