Symphony No. 61 (Haydn)

The Symphony No. 61 in D major, Hoboken I/61, is a symphony by Joseph Haydn. The autograph has survived and is dated 1776.[1]

Movements

The symphony is scored for flute, two oboes, two bassoons, two horns, timpani and strings. There are four movements:

  1. Vivace
  2. Adagio, 3/4 in A major
  3. Menuetto & Trio: Allegretto, 3/4
  4. Finale: Prestissimo

The opening movement is colorfully orchestrated. Particularly notable is the second theme which starts with pulsating oboes and bassoon before the flute enters with a falling motif. The expositional coda also features a pulsating accompaniment against a chromatic rise in the strings.[1]

Daniel Heartz has noted the "hunt"-like character of the final movement, and Haydn's greater mastery of rondo form compared to earlier symphonies.[2]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Brown, A. Peter, The Symphonic Repertoire (Volume 2). Indiana University Press (ISBN 025333487X), pp. 171-172 (2002).
  2. ↑ Heartz, Daniel, Haydn, Mozart, and the Viennese School, 1740-1780. W.W. Norton & Company (ISBN 0393965333), pp. 371-372 (1995).