Haydn, Symphony No.104 in D major, Hob.I:104 "London" (Herbert von Karajan, Berliner Philharmoniker)

Описание: Haydn, Symphony No.104 in D major, Hob.I:104 "London", with with a theme-and-structure analysis and synchronized sheet music (score)
Performance: Herbert von Karajan (conductor), Berliner Philharmoniker, 1982/01, DG
Analysis, Score Editing, Synch: ScoreMan

00:00 Movement 1: Adagio – Allegro
09:25 Movement 2: Andante
17:57 Movement 3: Menuetto and Trio: Allegro
22:09 Movement 4: Finale: Spiritoso


OVERVIEW

Haydn’s Symphony No. 104 in D major, Hob. I:104, commonly known as the “London” Symphony, is the last symphony he composed.
Written in 1795, it represents the culmination of his long career in the symphonic genre.
It is a work of grandeur, wit, and structural mastery, combining noble ceremonial character with folk-like vitality.
As the final symphony of his twelve “London” symphonies, it stands as a confident and brilliant farewell to the form that he helped to define.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

The symphony was composed during Haydn’s second visit to London, where he had achieved extraordinary success.
After decades of service to the Esterházy court in Hungary, Haydn had become an international celebrity.
The London audiences admired his symphonies for their clarity, invention, and dramatic flair.
Symphony No. 104 was premiered in London in April 1795, conducted by Haydn himself, and it was received with great enthusiasm.

The nickname “London” does not refer to a specific program but simply reflects its place of composition and premiere.
It belongs to a group of symphonies that show Haydn writing for larger orchestras and public concert halls rather than for the more intimate court setting of his earlier years.

MUSICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The symphony opens with a slow introduction in D minor, solemn and weighty in tone.
This introduction creates a sense of anticipation before the main Allegro begins in bright D major.
The first movement demonstrates Haydn’s mature command of sonata form, balancing strength and elegance with subtle humor and rhythmic energy.
The second movement is lyrical and graceful, unfolding with clarity and warmth.
The third movement, marked Menuetto, has a robust and almost rustic character, with strong accents and a contrasting trio section that brings lighter color.
The final movement is especially notable. Its main theme is simple and folk-like, possibly inspired by a Croatian melody.
Haydn transforms this seemingly straightforward idea into a movement of tremendous vitality and contrapuntal richness.
The music grows increasingly energetic, building toward a triumphant and exhilarating conclusion.

LEGACY

Symphony No. 104 is widely regarded as one of Haydn’s greatest achievements and one of the finest symphonies of the Classical period.
It represents the mature synthesis of his lifelong exploration of form, thematic development, and orchestral color.
As his final symphony, it serves as a fitting conclusion to a genre he essentially shaped and perfected.
The “London” Symphony stands as a testament to Haydn’s enduring inventiveness and his ability to combine intellectual rigor with immediate musical charm.



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