How To Teach Haydn's German Dance in D Major

Written By Janna Williamson

Today we’re talking about how to teach the German Dances Hob.XVI:22 by Franz Joseph Haydn. In the video, I specifically discuss the German Dance No.2 in D Major, but the principles I cover can be applied to any in this set, as well as several similar dances at this level. These are fun, happy pieces at the early intermediate level that are excellent preparation for harder dances and other Classical-era works such as sonatinas.

 

Recommended edition:

 

Syllabus listings for difficulty level:

 

Skills and Knowledge Required to play this piece well:

  • D Major key signature

  • Chords in the key, including various voicings of V7

  • Jumps down to root position V7, jumps on repeats

  • Appoggiaturas (for a more in-depth look at basic ornamentation, please watch this video)

  • Attention to articulation

  • Binary form (AABB)

  • Steady tempo

 

As an aside, while I didn’t address this in the video, I love to tell students about Haydn’s sense of humor. Any composer who wrote the Surprise Symphony, the Farewell Symphony, and countless other pieces based on musical jokes surely wants young piano students to find the fun and humor in his easy keyboard pieces!

 
 

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Janna Williamson
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