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Haydn · Joseph Haydn

Haydn Symphony No. 101 in D major, "The Clock"

The second-movement accompaniment ticks like a clock

Key
D major
Composed
1794
Premiere
1794 London
Duration
about 30 min
Movements
4 movements
Instrumentation
Woodwinds 2·2·2·2 · Brass 2·2·0·0 · Timpani · Strings

The story behind this piece

Haydn wrote this in 1793–94 for his second visit to London. It premiered on March 3, 1794, at the Hanover Square Rooms in London, with the orchestra assembled by Salomon.

The nickname "The Clock" comes from the second-movement accompaniment. While the accompaniment ticks steadily like a pendulum, an elegant melody flows above it. The third-movement minuet is among the longest of all Haydn's symphonic minuets.

What to listen for

  • 2nd movement: the key is for the accompanying parts to keep the tick-tock beat steady. If you're on accompaniment, be as steady as a clock!
  • 3rd movement: an unusually long and stately minuet

Listen · Score

Credits