Franz Joseph Haydn, 1732-1809. Symphony No. 88 in G. Probably composed in 1787. Scored for flute, 2 oboes, 2 bassoons, 2 horns, 2 trumpets, tympani, and strings.
Joseph Haydn was such a productive soul that it is difficult at times to make sense of his output. The catalog of his works in Grove's Dictionary of Music and Musicians occupies nearly 40 pages alone, more space than is given to the entire article on Brahms. Highlights include more operas than Puccini, more string quartets than Mozart and Beethoven combined, divertimenti, overtures, sonatas, and concerti in almost infinite variety, 32 pieces for mechanical clocks, and of course the 104 symphonies that put to shame the collective output of the entire 19th century.
By the 1780's, Haydn had achieved the fame and success deserved by such a great man. Impresarios from London and Paris were begging him to compose for them, students from all over Europe traveled to study under the master, and he regularly received gifts of gold from nobility to whom he had dedicated works. He was busy and popular, yet he never lost touch with the ordinary people. The 88th and 89th symphonies, for example, were dedicated to Johann Tost, a violinist in the orchestra of Prince Esterházy, Haydn's patron.
The Symphony No. 88 is a typically charming Haydn work, full of verve and innovation. Although the instrumentation is constrained by both convention and the available musicians of the Esterházy orchestra, Haydn finds new ways to use his resources, including adding brass and tympani in the traditionally restrained minuet. When confronted with his economical yet involved melodies, the listener can only bow in amazement that a single individual could so thoroughly set the stage for two centuries of development of the modern symphony.
© 1997, Geoff Kuenning
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