Haydn · Joseph Haydn
Haydn Symphony No. 104 in D major, "London"
The last of more than 100 symphonies
- Key
- D major
- Composed
- 1795
- Premiere
- 1795 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 London in 1795, and it was the last symphony he left behind. He conducted its premiere himself in London on May 4, 1795.
Although it carries the nickname "London," a full twelve symphonies, Nos. 93 through 104, were written for London. As the last of them, it took this name to represent them all.
The last movement begins with a rustic folk-like melody over a long-held low drone note. A story handed down for a long time says this melody came from a Croatian folk song.
What to listen for
- Introduction to the 1st movement: though the piece is in D major, it begins heavily in the minor. Feel the contrast when it turns to a bright Allegro
- Opening of the 4th movement: a folk-style melody over a long-held bass note
Listen · Score
Credits