Remembering Our Fathers

For orchestra and three female voices

The Role (soprano)

Luigia Polzelli, Haydn’s secret lover and by all accounts a very average soprano, was employed at Ezterhazy’ court under Haydn’s direction. The unnamed son in the text is Antonio.

The Text

The text has been extrapolated from actual quotes made by or about Haydn. No editorial summaries were made. The words come from famous contemporaries or from letters from and speeches by Haydn. Minor changes were made on occasion to execute rhymes where appropriate. The poetic scheme matches the poetic scheme that would have been in use in the late 18th century.

The Music

The music is composed and orchestrated in a late 18th century style. Luigia was herself an “average” singer, so the vocal line is similar to what Haydn may have composed for her, knowing her abilities. Whenever the text quotes Haydn himself, music is borrowed from his extensive output to support the quote (as if he himself is speaking to us!). When she sings specifically about his symphonies, each one is referenced in the score. The end of her solo appropriately summons his 'Farewell Symphony.'

JOSEPH HAYDN - as through Luigia Polzelli:

O, dearest, I implore
for you to know your father more.
He was born without sensation,
died: "the darling of a nation."
O, my love, whom I adore,
Please know your father more.

His deportment never bothered;
Most respected, Most honored.
His music had nobility,
beauty and simplicity.
The praise which he had garnered:
"Most respected, Most honored."

He was short and dark, face pitted;
his legs too short and ill-fitted.
But he carried an air of humour,
and for looks did not fault his groomer.
Good-natured and quick-witted,
yet to his craft, Joseph was committed.

As your PaPa has noted:
"Since God has given me a cheerful heart, He will forgive me for serving Him cheerfully."

I knew our dear for ten years
While at the Prince's court.
I sang for him, loved him and shed some tears;
it was our faith that kept us apart.

It was there that you were born,
kept private from the public scorn.
It pained him so, to never let you know
that you were all his own.

In his life, he made only one mistake
when he wed that "infernal beast."
She left him no children in her wake,
and didn't like his music in the least!

As Joseph wrote it:
"I long for a time to be together, when two pairs of eyes will close."

He would have been a good father,
to the world, music had no other:
the sonata and the string quartet,
No maestro was more important.
The symphony had no other
who could claim the name of Father.

He wrote Morning, Noon and Night,
for Schoolmaster and Queen's delight,
for Military, Horns and Drumroll,
Passion, Fire, Surprise and Miracle,
for Clock and Bear, Hunt, Hen, Oxford, London;
for all Seasons and Creation. He was "the darling of our nation."

From his deathbed he implored
with words no longer scored.
He bade Farewell as he smiled,
to a nation and a child.
He's the father we all adored,
now I hope you know him more.

As your PaPa was last quoted:
"My children have no fear, for where Haydn is, no harm can fall."

- repeat -

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