Haydn composed this lesser-known but nevertheless highly inventive and
charming work during his first stay in London in 1791-92. Its inner
symmetry and Mozartian delicacy easily place it on a par with Haydn's more
famous compositions. The prominence accorded to the two violin parts (a
tribute to the violinist Salomon) in the slow movement lends the latter an
almost concertante air. With its toe-tapping brightness, the minuet is
especially attractive; the finale also typifies the sense of gaiety and
sheer high spirits found in all of Haydn's music.
Leonard Bernstein began conducting Haydn's orchestral works when he was
still Music Director of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. Since then,
his interpretations of the symphonies have consistently met with unreserved
critical acclaim. He, of all conductors, possessed precisely the qualities
which Haydn's music requires: grace, charm and a generous measure of wit.
This production with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra was recorded in
1984.
