The Influence of Johann Christian Bach on Haydn
In the rich tapestry of classical music, certain figures stand as significant precursors to the giants who would follow them. Among these luminaries, Johann Christian Bach, often referred to as the 'London Bach', left a profound imprint on Joseph Haydn. Despite Haydn’s modern perception as a contemporary of Mozart, Bach’s influence was felt in various aspects of Haydn’s work and compositions.
A Historical Context for Bach and Haydn
Joseph Haydn, born in 1732, was 18 years old when his predecessor, Johann Sebastian Bach, passed away in 1750. At this time, Bach's style was no longer in vogue, and his music had not yet reached the monumental heights it would later attain. This explains why Haydn, at that age, was not deeply familiar with Bach's compositions.
Moreover, Haydn had already left the Choir of St. Stephen's in Vienna at the age of eight in 1740, which meant he had missed out on any early exposure to Bach's music in a formal setting. Additionally, Bach's music was predominantly associated with the Lutheran church, whereas Haydn’s Catholic faith influenced his musical choices to a degree.
The Influence of CPE Bach
While Haydn did not directly interact with Bach, his younger brothers, CPE Bach and Johann Christian Bach (JC), played pivotal roles in shaping Haydn’s musical style.
CPE Bach, particularly, was a significant force. His radical departure from his father's conservative and stern style paved the way for the more emotionally charged and expressive style of the pre-classical period. This shift inspired Haydn, leading him to explore and develop his own composition techniques, especially in his piano works.
Haydn’s connection to CPE Bach is evident in his compositions, particularly those that resemble CPE's concerti style. Haydn’s concertos for keyboard, horn, violin, cello, trumpet, and organ are clear examples of the influence CPE Bach had on him. Additionally, Haydn's study of CPE Bach's works contributed to the development of his own musical language.
The Role of Johann Christian Bach
Despite being 18 when Bach died, Haydn was still influenced by JC Bach due to their shared years in England in the late 1760s. During this time, JC Bach was already establishing himself as a prominent composer, and his proximity to Haydn in London meant that they would have interacted regularly.
Haydn admired JC Bach's concerti style and was particularly inspired by his piano concertos. These experiences in London solidified his respect for JC Bach and contributed to his development as a composer. It was during this period that Haydn began to integrate concerti forms into his own work, notably in his own concertos for varied instruments.
Bach's Influence on Mozart and Beyond
Bach's influence extended beyond Haydn. JC Bach, in particular, had a significant impact on Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. When Mozart visited London in 1764, he studied with JC Bach, whose music deeply influenced the young Mozart’s early compositions. This link is well-documented, and one can trace the musical lineage from Bach to Mozart to Haydn, showcasing the interconnectedness of the classical music world.
Haydn, in turn, was influenced by Mozart, who in his early years was more attuned to JC Bach's style. This interplay between these composers further underscores the profound impact that Bach had on the development of classical music.
In conclusion, while Haydn did not directly interact with Johann Sebastian Bach, the influence of his sons, especially JC Bach and CPE Bach, was significant. Through proximity, shared experiences, and the evolution of musical style, Bach's legacy lived on through his sons and continued to shape the landscape of classical music, influencing composers like Haydn, Mozart, and countless others who followed them.