Hob.I:79 Symphony in F Major
This symphony is the first of a group of three symphonies (No. 79-81) which were composed in 1783/84 and were published by Torricella and Artaria in Vienna in 1785. The occasion of their origin is unknown. Haydn shows himself to be a very skilled expert at composition who, in addition to his ample responsibilities at the Esterhàzy court (and especially as kapellmeister during this period), knows how to satisfy the demand on the international market. The first movement of No. 79 is a conventional sonata movement in which a considerable portion of the development is only “added in” after the onset of the reprise. The second movement is peculiar, consisting of two halves which – except for the key – appear to have absolutely nothing to do with one another: a graceful slow movement and a subsequent short kehraus in allegro leaving the audience in doubt as to whether a finale has been heard. The “actual” finale, which is played after the minuet, is more extensive, a nested rondo form into which developmental elements of the sonata form are also merged.

Analysis of the movements

Musicians

Due to the unclear time of origin of most of Haydn’s symphonies - and unlike his 13 Italian operas, where we really know the exact dates of premieres and performances - detailed and correct name lists of the orchestral musicians cannot be given.  As a rough outline, his symphony works can be divided into three temporal blocks. In the first block, in the service of Count Morzin (1757-1761), in the second block, the one at the court of the Esterházys (1761-1790 but with the last symphony for the Esterház audience in 1781) and the third block, the one after Esterház (1782-1795), i.e. in Paris and London.  Just for this middle block at the court of the Esterházys 1761-1781 (the last composed symphony for the Esterház audience) respectively 1790, at the end of his service at the court of Esterház we can choose Haydn’s most important musicians and “long-serving companions” and thereby extract an "all-time - all-stars orchestra".

Music

Score