Symphony No. 58 (Haydn)

Music#

The symphony is scored for two oboes, two horns, two violins, viola, cello, and double bass. Modern performers continue to debate whether a bassoon, and – contentiously – a harpsichord should be added. It is in four movements: The unique distinction alla zoppa on the Menuet literally means “limping” which Haydn accomplishes with a dotted rhythm pushed into all sorts of asymmetrical patterns. This movement was also used in Haydn’s Baryton Trio in D major (Hob 11/52). A. Peter Brown has noted how the character of the first movement is very reminiscent of a minuet, and can be regarded as an “expanded Minuet”. Brown has also commented that the overall nature of the work highly resembles a suite where all four movements are dance-like in nature.