Haydn Symphony no.2

Date

1760

Overview

Very early Haydn symphony in Galant style of typical Sinfonia a 8 configuration

Overall form

Three mvts without any minuet. Last mvt is a simple rondo.

1st mvt

Like stamitz op3 no2, the recapitulation is not of the opening material but more like the transition idea. Both exposition and recap end with a lengthy codetta/coda. Mvt opens with bold 8ve unison texture

Finale mvt (3rd)

Finishes with short and simple rondo finale 3rd mvt (no minuet)

Development of orchestra

Demonstrates the common Sinfonia a 8 configuration with 4 string parts, 2 oboes and horns. Bass line is played by cellos, double basses, bassoon and continuo. Middle mvt is basically chamber music with violins all playing the same line and the violas doubling the bass. Only the continuo fills the harmonies. This texture is also found in the finale.S

Harmony and tonality

Simple diatonic harmony with lots of circle of 5ths in transition and development of 1st mvt. Turn to minor in 2nd subject of 1st mvt followed by a circle of 5ths. This is typical of Haydn and Mozart.