Valencia Project - Franz Joseph Haydn: Baryton Trios - Treasures from the Esterh�za Palace

Much of Franz Joseph Haydn�s long career was in service as a court musician to the wealthy Esterh�zy family. It was early in Haydn�s time at the Esterh�za palace that Prince Nicolaus took a liking to the hypnotic sound of the baryton � a bowed instrument with an extra set of strings that vibrate sympathetically or are plucked for tonal contrast. The baryton was considered the pinnacle of 18th-century aristocratic instruments, and the outstanding beauty of Haydn�s trios represent its final renaissance, placing this remarkable antique firmly into the poised and tasteful Classical style of the day.