Franz Joseph Haydn
Sinfonia Concertante (Haydn)
The Sinfonia Concertante in B major (Hob. I/105) by Joseph Haydn was composed in London between February and March 1792. It is believed to be a response to similar works composed by Ignaz Pleyel, a
Background#
The composition was written during the first of the composer’s two visits to London. It is believed that Johann Peter Salomon asked Haydn to compose the work because of the success of similar works written by Pleyel and performed in a rival concert series. The first performance was given on 9 March 1792, with Salomon as lead violinist in the solo group. The other members of the solo group are only known by their surnames, Harrington (oboe), Holmes (bassoon) and Menel (cello). The Oracle was also enthusiastic, giving the performance this notice: “Haydn directed for the first time the Performance of a New Concertante – the third movement of which seemed expressly calculated to shew the brilliancy of SALOMON’S, and the sweetness of his tone. The prevailing manner of this Master pervaded every movement – it had all his usual grandeur, contrasted by the levity of airy transition, and the sudden surprises of abrupt rests… The Company were very brilliant.”
Structure#
The three movements are as follows. A typical performance will take roughly 20 minutes.
References#
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- Composer
- Franz Joseph Haydn