(Continued)
This is one of the six Concertos for 'Cello that Haydn left. It was written when he held the happy post of Master of the Music to Prince Esterhazy, who kept up a magnificent establishment that was described as second only to Versailles in brilliance and luxury.

It is in three quite short Movements: The First Movement is genial and bustling; the Second has sweetly expressive themes for the solo instrument, the Orchestra playing but a small part in accompaniment; and the Last Movement is the usual Hondo, dancing along in effervescent happiness.

This work, one of the many inspired by the story of the libertine Don Juan, of the Spanish legend, is founded on a poem of the Hungarian writer Lenan (1802-1850). He presents the Don as a man in search of an ideal woman, in whom he can enjoy all perfections. He is continually disappointed, and finds nothing but weariness in all his adventures. At length Disgust (for thus is Satan figured in this version) brings an end to his adventures.

We find, then, in the music all the moods of Don Juan - his youthful fire, the maidenly charm of women, and then the philanderer's disappointment and spiritual defeat.