The ' london ' Symphony
HAYDN was a great favourite in London.
He came over, on the invitation of Salomon, a concert director, on two occasions, and each time contracted to compose and conduct six symphonies. That, perhaps, seems rather a large order, but Haydn worked so quickly and was so prolific that he had no difficulty in carrying out the agreement, and enjoying himself at the same time, attending Lord Mayor's Banquets, singing his songs to the Prince of Wales, paying country-house visits and so on. This ' London' Symphony is one of his second ' Salomon Set.' In style and force it looks forward to Beethoven.
The FIRST MOVEMENT opens with a slow Introduction, which, very effectively, is hi the minor key, the quick main body of the Movement being in the major. Its First Main Tune is a natty, lively one, which Haydn apparently liked so well that he used it as the Second Main Tune also-quite an unusual thing to do. There is a brief new tune, but it can scarcely be called a main one.
The SECOND MOVEMENT, the slow one, is an Air with two Variations.
The usual MINUET follows—a typical Haydn dance Movement.
The FINALE is quick and spirited. In its opening drone bass, like the tune of a shepherd's pipe, it recalls Haydn's love of peasant music.