Haydn: The Six Last Sonatas cover

Haydn: The Six Last Sonatas

Glenn Gould

80 min · 15 tracks · classical music

Gould's interpretation reveals the intricate emotional landscapes and playful nuances of Haydn's final piano sonatas with breathtaking clarity.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Piano Sonata no. 56 in D major, Hob. XVI: 42: I. Andante con espressione Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Piano Sonata no. 58 in C major, Hob. XVI: 48: I. Andante con espressione — This movement stands out for its lyrical depth and expressive phrasing, showcasing Gould's ability to balance emotion with technical precision.
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    Piano Sonata no. 59 in E-flat major, Hob. XVI: 49: II. Adagio e cantabile — The slow movement highlights Gould’s nuanced touch and insight into Haydn’s subtleties, making it a poignant centerpiece of the album.
  • →
    Piano Sonata no. 60 in C major, Hob. XVI: 50: II. Adagio — In this track, Gould captures the reflective quality of the music, allowing listeners to appreciate Haydn's rich harmonic language.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
77 /100
Summit
Higher than 99% of albums we've rated

Gould's interpretations breathe new life into Haydn's sonatas, showcasing his unique style and attention to detail.

What we noticed

  • Each sonata is presented in its entirety, allowing for a deep exploration of Haydn's thematic development across movements.
  • Gould employs varied dynamics and articulation, highlighting the contrasts between the playful and introspective sections within each sonata.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
9/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • introspective moments of reflection
  • dynamic contrasts that captivate
  • patient unfolding of themes
  • engaging detail in every phrase

Maybe skip if you

  • seek instant gratification
  • prefer standalone tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Renewed attention to Haydn's works, showcasing Gould's unique interpretation style.
Career context
By the time Glenn Gould released 'Haydn: The Six Last Sonatas' in 1982, he was already an established figure in classical music, known for his unique interpretations and unconventional performance style. This album followed his acclaimed recordings of Bach and Beethoven, showcasing his deepening exploration of the classical repertoire and highlighting a more introspective phase in his career.
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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Piano Sonata no. 59 in E-flat major, Hob. XVI: 49: I. Allegro

    The opening section introduces a playful theme that shifts unexpectedly, leading into contrasting passages that reflect both wit and warmth.

    This structural playfulness mirrors Haydn's characteristic humor while demonstrating Gould's dynamic range and interpretative skill.

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 Piano Sonata no. 56 in D major, Hob. XVI: 42: I. Andante con espressione Start here 8:47
  • 2 Piano Sonata no. 56 in D major, Hob. XVI: 42: II. Vivace assai 2:19
  • 3 Piano Sonata no. 58 in C major, Hob. XVI: 48: I. Andante con espressione 12:52
  • 4 Piano Sonata no. 58 in C major, Hob. XVI: 48: II. Rondo. Presto 3:25
  • 5 Piano Sonata no. 59 in E-flat major, Hob. XVI: 49: I. Allegro 4:46
  • 6 Piano Sonata no. 59 in E-flat major, Hob. XVI: 49: II. Adagio e cantabile 8:47
  • 7 Piano Sonata no. 59 in E-flat major, Hob. XVI: 49: III. Finale. Tempo di Minuet 3:38

Disc 2

  • 1 Piano Sonata no. 60 in C major, Hob. XVI: 50: I. Allegro 5:32
  • 2 Piano Sonata no. 60 in C major, Hob. XVI: 50: II. Adagio 5:33
  • 3 Piano Sonata no. 60 in C major, Hob. XVI: 50: III. Allegro molto 2:31
  • 4 Piano Sonata no. 61 in D major, Hob. XVI: 51: I. Andante 3:25
  • 5 Piano Sonata no. 61 in D major, Hob. XVI: 51: II. Finale. Presto 2:27
  • 6 Piano Sonata no. 62 in E-flat major, Hob. XVI: 52: I. Allegro 5:17
  • 7 Piano Sonata no. 62 in E-flat major, Hob. XVI: 52: II. Adagio 7:34
  • 8 Piano Sonata no. 62 in E-flat major, Hob. XVI: 52: III. Finale. Presto 3:46

What to play next

Haydn: 6 Late Keyboard Sonatas
Listen next

Haydn: 6 Late Keyboard Sonatas

Continues the exploration of Haydn's piano works with similar emotional depth.
Glenn Gould Plays Haydn
Go back to

Glenn Gould Plays Haydn

Sets the stage for understanding Gould's unique interpretation of Haydn's music.
Full Glenn Gould discography Where to start with Glenn Gould Artists like Glenn Gould

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata