Symphony No. 91 (Haydn)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Symphony No. 91 in E-flat major (Hoboken 1/91) is written by Joseph Haydn. It is occasionally 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. It is the last symphony that Haydn composed that is not scored for trumpets and timpani.

[edit] Movements

The first movement opens with a slow introduction which Haydn works beautifully into the opening allegro assai. The movement features a legato theme and a dancelike second theme. Both the themes are closely linked with the opening largo. It consists of a set of three variations on a 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 includes a trio in the bassoon accompanied by plucked strings. The finale opens quietly and builds gradually to a close.

[edit] References

  • Robbins Landon, H. C. (1963) Joseph Haydn: Critical Edition of the Complete Symphonies, Universal Edition, Vienna