Viennese Classical period was the time that introduced the greatest compositors in classical music. Unified by the patronage system and its consequences, Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven have different career development scenarios. Starting with Mozart, it is commonly known that his career started exceptionally early on tour throughout Europe (Tommasini, n.d.). Despite the astonishing talent of the musician, this attempt failed to achieve patronage or a privileged position. In the last decade of his life, Mozart lived in Vienna, maintaining his triumph (Tommasini, n.d.). His style differed by the unique representation of the motivic development that characterized by lifted vocal lines, dramatic structures, and bass lines. Assigned as one of the greatest classical composers, Mozart died at his 35 leaving a heritage that became the foundation of classical music.
In comparison, Haydn originated from Austria, was a choirboy at St. Stephen’s Cathedral deposed from the choir during puberty. Freelancing, composing, performing, and teaching, he finally became employed by Prince Paul Esterhazy, receiving patronage from his brother Nikolaus (Tommasini,n.d.). At this position, Haydn spent about 30 years presenting his works, connecting with influential figures, and joining the Masonic lodge. His privileged and protected position allowed him to experiment. As Tommasini (n.d.) mentioned, Haydn was the first author who implemented motivic development in his pieces. This technique was then used by different composers, including Beethoven, Haydn’s student. Talking about Beethoven and his career, the tragic beginning and mysterious image behind his music could be observed. Beethoven, born in Germany to a drunken and abusive court singer, became completely deaf at the end of his life (Tommasini, n.d.). Among Haydn’s students, his style and manner of performing touched mystical shifts. Although his position in society was not stable due to the absence of a permanent patron, Beethoven was well-known for his original representation.
References
Tommasini, A. (n.d.). The big 4 Of Vienna: One faces elimination. The New York Times.