Musical contribution - August 2012

Flötenuhr – We’ll be getting acquainted with 2 small arrangements by Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) this month. These are parts 10 and 11 from a series of 32 for Flötenuhr. A clock containing small pipes, with a mechanism like a barrel organ. These clocks would play melodies instead of striking to indicate the time.

People were already familiar with these so-called musical clocks back in 1600. The first musical clock is said to have been built in the Black Forest (Germany). They were mainly intended for the elite from the Baroque period. People wanted to use their extraordinary pieces of furniture in order to make an impression on others and to emphasise their important high status. Both Mozart and Haydn wrote music for Flötenuhr.

The gallant nature of these 2 parts puts us right in the middle of the Classic era. Nimble, flexible and with an eye for every single detail. Coupled with unprecedented playing pleasure.

There are no exact registration instructions. We therefore shouldn’t try to make an attempt at this. However, we would recommend – initially – staying within the flute character. Only a flute 8’ or 4’, combinations like 8’ + 4’ of 8’ + 2’. But you will certainly come across a very wide range of sounds if you go looking for recordings of these works.

Wouldn’t it be a joy to awaken to the sound of such beautiful melodies in the morning, rather than that awful piercing sound of an alarm clock?

André van Vliet