Symphony No. 58 (Haydn)


Symphony No. 58 in F major, Hoboken I/58, is a symphony by Joseph Haydn, composed probably around 1767 but certainly not after 1774, after which time the traits of this symphony were outmoded.
Symphony No. 58 was probably written by Haydn in 1767. At that time he worked as Kapellmeister for Prince Nikolaus Esterhazy. If we compare Symphony No. 58 with Symphony No. 35, also written in 1767, No. 58 has the opposite structure. Ludwig Finscher described the two works:

Instrumentation

The symphony is scored for two oboes, two French horns, two violins, viola, cello, and double bass. Modern performers continue to debate whether a bassoon, and -- contentiously -- a harpsichord should be added.

Performance time

The performance takes about 20 minutes.

Movements

  1. Allegro,
  2. Andante,
  3. Menuet alla zoppa - Trio. Un poco allegretto,
  4. Finale: Presto,
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.
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.