Symphony n° 103 of Joseph Haydn

The Symphony n° 103 in major E flat , Hob. I: 103, “Bearing of drinking cup” ( “Paukenwirbel” German ) of Joseph Haydn was made up in 1795. It is the penultimate one of the twelve symphonies known as " londoniennes" , regarded as most beautiful of Haydn.

The form of this symphony is that of the traditional symphony.

First movement

Adagio, then Allegro idiot spirito. The structure is that of a bithematic form-sonata with an introduction (the Adagio). This movement begin with an astonishing bearing from drinking cup (which gives its name to the symphony): it is on a disconcerting sound because very near to the noise that this music opens.

Second movement

Andante piu tosto Allegretto, in C minor. The structure is that of a topic and variation, with this notable characteristic that there are two topics (enough close one to the other), the first minor and the second major one. The four variations (two for each topic) make alternate very different atmospheres, energy of the gallant style to the heroic style.

Third movement

Minuet-trio (in accordance with one of the rules of composition of the traditional symphony), in major E flat.

Fourth movement

Finale - Allegro idiot spirito, in major E flat. The form of this movement is relatively ambiguous: if the structure is about the bithematic form-sonata, it can be also interpreted like a rondo, with the stubborn return of the initial topic (preceded by a point of organ).

External bonds

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