Symphony No. 61 (Haydn)

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Joseph 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