Symphony No. 61 (Haydn)


The Symphony No. 61 in D major, Hoboken I/61, is a symphony by Joseph Haydn. The autograph has survived and is dated 1776.

Movements

The symphony is scored for flute, two oboes, two bassoons, two French horns, timpani and strings. There are four movements:
  1. Vivace
  2. Adagio, in A major
  3. Menuetto & Trio: Allegretto,
  4. Finale: Prestissimo
The opening movement is colorfully orchestrated. Particularly notable is the second theme which starts with pulsating oboes and bassoon before the flute enters with a falling motif. The expositional coda also features a pulsating accompaniment against a chromatic rise in the strings.
Daniel Heartz has noted the "hunt"-like character of the final movement, and Haydn's greater mastery of rondo form compared to earlier symphonies.