The Symphony No. 104 was given its first performance on May 4, 1795 at London's King's Theatre. That all-Haydn concert, conducted by the composer, also included a reprise of his "Military" Symphony (No. 100) and was one of the greatest of his many triumphs in London during the 1790s. By this time he was not only tremendously popular, but also quite comfortable financially: a farewell concert given for his benefit shortly before his return to Austria netted him 4,000 gulden. As Haydn wrote in his diary, "One can make as much as this only in England." By August 1795, Haydn had returned to the European mainland, to his duties under Prince Nikolaus II Esterházy. His overwhelming fame in England had spread, and although he wrote no more symphonies, the 12 he wrote for London were soon being performed in Austria and all over Europe.
The dramatic, imperious opening of the first movement of the Symphony No. 104 gives way to a high-spirited Allegro; its one main theme is extensively developed. The second movement Andante features a fairly simple, stately theme which in the course of its melodic and harmonic travels becomes quite touching, even profound. The grand Menuet third movement turns gentle in the central trio section, with some delicate work for the woodwinds.
As is the case in many of his 104 symphonies (and in a few of the 12 "London" symphonies), Haydn turns to folk music for the Finale, marked Spiritoso. The main tune of the movement is a Croatian folk song (identified as "Oj Jelena") which Haydn likely encountered at his old home in Eisenstadt, where the Esterházy's winter residence was located. Coincidentally, the tune also evokes, according to some accounts, the street cries which were commonly used by vendors and hawkers in eighteenth century England. It might be that Haydn heard those street sounds during his years in London and was reminded of that old folk song. In any case, the melody is subjected to some exciting and complex development, and the symphony ends with an imposing and uplifting peroration.
The movements include Adagio - Allegro, Andante, Menuetto. Allegro & Trio and Finale. Spiritos
This magnificent piece is part of the FSSO Symphony Concert programme taking place on 14 March.
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