Episode #17 of Busy Kids Love Music is about to shake off the dusty image of classical composers and introduce you to the mischievous and humorous side of one iconic figure from the past—Franz Joseph Haydn. Forget the white wigs and fancy clothes; Haydn was a musical prankster extraordinaire, and in this episode, we’re about to uncover the delightful tales of his real-life jokes and musical mischief.
Discover the cheeky antics that got young Haydn kicked out of school. I’ll unravel the story of a wicked prank played on a fellow choir member that not only showcased Haydn’s mischievous spirit but also hinted at the humor that would later define his musical compositions.
Prepare for a giggle as we explore how Haydn, with a mischievous twinkle in his eye, used the bassoon to imitate an unexpected sound… a fart! Yes, you read that right. Haydn’s playful approach to music wasn’t confined to scores; he brought laughter to the orchestra with his clever and unexpected compositions.
In this episode, we’ll also delve into one of Haydn’s symphonies with a secret message to a prince. Find out how he ingeniously wrote an ending that sent a clear signal: it’s time to let the musicians go home! Haydn’s wit and humor extended beyond pranks, infusing his compositions with a playful spirit that resonates through the centuries.
Busy Kids Love Music is committed to making classical music accessible and enjoyable for young minds. Episode #17 not only introduces the lighter side of Haydn but also provides educational insights into the historical context and creative brilliance that defined the musical pranks of this legendary composer.
Whether you’re a parent eager to share the humor and mischief of classical composers with your child or a young listener excited to uncover the fun side of Haydn, Episode #17 is a must-listen. Subscribe to Busy Kids Love Music on your preferred podcast platform, and let the symphony of laughter and musical mischief brighten your day.
Join me as we unravel the tales of Haydn, the Musical Prankster. Happy listening!
Musical Samples You’ll Hear in this Episode:
Symphony No. 45 – Finale by Franz Joseph Haydn
Symphony No. 94 in G Major – Andante by Franz Joseph Haydn
Symphony No. 93 in D Major by Franz Joseph Haydn
Quartet in E-flat Major, Op. 33 No. 2 by Franz Joseph Haydn
Music Listening Schedule for Episode 17
Enjoy the links to performances connected to our theme of Haydn: Musical Prankster until our next episode airs in two weeks.
Day 1: Sonata No. 60 in in C Major (Haydn)
Day 2: Symphony No. 60 in C Major (Haydn) *Listen for the sound of the instruments “re-tuning”
Day 3: Farewell Symphony – Finale (Haydn)
Day 4: A Musical Joke (Mozart) *A parody of the terrible composers of his time
Day 5: Rage Over A Lost Penny (Beethoven) *Read the story of this piece here.
Day 6: L’Elephant (Saint-Saens)
Day 7: Duetto buffo di due gatti: Meow! (Rossini)
Day 8: Music for the Theatre: Burlesque (Copeland)
Day 9: Mosquito Dance (White) *Listen for the sound of the mosquito getting slapped!
Day 10: The Comedians (Kabalevsky)
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