Symphony No. 91 (Haydn)
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The Symphony No. 91 in E flat major (Hoboken 1/91) is written by Joseph Haydn. It can be (albeit seldomly) referred to as The Letter T referring to an older method of cataloguing Haydn's symphonic output.
[edit] Date of composition and scoring
It was completed in 1788.
The work is in standard four movement form and scored for flute, two oboes, two bassoons, two horns, continuo (harpsichord) and strings.
[edit] Movements
This symphony shows a more introspective, lyrical and subtle style than we usually associate with Haydn. The work has the character of a wistful dance. The first movement opens with a slow introduction which Haydn works beautifully into the opening allegro assai. The movement features a gentle legato theme and a dancelike second theme. Both the themes are closely linked with the opening largo. This is a beautifully integrated movement. The second movement is also highly original. It consists of a set of three variations on a detached, whimsical theme. Listen to the bassoon and the accompanying string filigree in the first variation and the series of trills near the end of the movement. The minuet is flowing and graceful with a dancelike trio in the bassoon accompanied by plucked strings. The finale opens quietly and builds gradually to a strutting and confident close. It is worth contrasting this graceful, lovely work in E-flat major to the broad, heroic works Beethoven wrote in this key, such as the "Eroica" symphony and the "Emperor" concerto.
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