Viennese Classic

Image a)

Image b)

Image c)

Joseph Haydn (1732 Rohrau/Lower Austria - 1809 Vienna) composed the Trio for Baryton, Viola und Double bass (Hob. XI, 51) in 1767. The illustration a) shows a Baryton, which was also known as a Viola di bordone and was in reality a Gamba at the baritone level that was common in the 17th to the 19th c. The instrument has 6 to 7 playing strings and 7 to 24 resonance strings which can be plucked with the thumb of the left hand because they are placed on the back of the neck. Joseph Haydn is considered the most important composer for this difficult instrument, which was in fashion in the 18th c and the favorite instrument of Prince Nikolaus Joseph Esterhazy. (E. Stadler)

The illustrations b) and c) show the other two instruments used in this trio: viola and double bass; both original instruments from the , 18th c.