Symphony No. 97 (Haydn)

The Symphony No. 97 in C major (Hoboken 1/97) is the fifth of the so-called twelve London Symphonies (numbers 93-104) written by Joseph Haydn.

It was completed in 1792 as part of the set of symphonies composed on his first trip to London. It was first performed at the Hanover Square Rooms in London on 3 or 4 May 1792. First published in England, it made its way to the continent a few years later and was used by Ludwig van Beethoven as a model for a symphony in C major he never completed, and by Friedrich Witt for the Jena Symphony.

Movements

The work is in standard four movement form and scored for two flutes, two oboes, two bassoons, two horns, two trumpets, timpani and strings. [Antony Hodgson, "The Music of Joseph Haydn: The Symphonies". London: The Tantivy Press (1976): 134 - 135.]

*I. Adagio - Vivace
*II. Adagio
*III. Menuetto e Trio. Allegretto
*IV. Finale: Presto assai

After a slow introduction which deliberately avoids establishing C major, the main theme of the first movement emphasizes the three notes of the C major triad.

The second subject group makes use of pizzicato in the bass.

Discography

Recordings of this symphony can be found in the many boxed set of Haydn's London Symphonies, such as those by Eugen Jochum and Herbert von Karajan on Deutsche Grammophon. Most modern interpretations of this work average out to about 25 minutes and so it can fit on a single compact disc with two or even three other London Symphonies. Sony's "Essential Classics" series includes a disc of No.s 93, 95 and 97 by George Szell conducting the Cleveland Orchestra, while Leonard Slatkin with the Philharmonia Orchestra of London pairs No. 97 with No.s 95 and 101.

References

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