Symphony No. 88 in G major “V”Franz Joseph Haydn

J. Haydn – Hob I:88 – Symphony No. 88 in G major (Brüggen)

It is popularly known as the “V.” This refers to the cataloging number assigned by a London publisher when issuing a collection of Haydn’s symphonies.

Among the series of “Paris Symphonies,” it is considered the finest and is regarded as a masterpiece on par with the “Salomon Symphonies.”

Symphony No. 104 in D major “London”Franz Joseph Haydn

Haydn: Symphony No. 104 in D Major, “London” – Hob. I: 104

Known as one of Haydn’s signature works, this piece is the last symphony he completed during his stay in London.

Comprising four movements, it begins with a grand introduction and concludes with a folk-like melody.

The finale is especially striking for its tune reminiscent of Croatian folk music.

Haydn’s humor and unexpected turns appear throughout, keeping listeners engaged.

At its premiere in London on April 13, 1795, it was a great success and earned the composer a substantial income.

It remains a beloved masterpiece of classical music to this day.

Symphony No. 103 in E-flat major “Drumroll”Franz Joseph Haydn

J. Haydn – Hob I:103 – Symphony No. 103 in E flat major (Brüggen)

During his stay in Britain, Haydn experienced one of the most fruitful periods of his life and composed the ‘Drumroll’ Symphony in London.

Its premiere was a great success.

It is one of Haydn’s most popular symphonies and is still frequently performed and recorded today.

Symphony No. 101 “The Clock”Franz Joseph Haydn

Joseph Haydn: Symphony No. 101 “The Clock”

An elegant world woven by the majestic resonance of a full orchestra—this is a masterpiece by Haydn.

Composed during his stay in London, the work is especially memorable for the clocklike, regular rhythm of its second movement.

It shines with Haydn’s characteristic wit and creativity.

At its premiere in London in March 1794, it was met with great acclaim, and the second movement was reportedly encored.

Beneath its elegance, a playful spirit can be felt.

It’s a piece that lets you fully savor the charm of classical music.

Cello Concerto No. 1 in C majorFranz Joseph Haydn

Haydn: 1. Cellokonzert C-Dur ∙ hr-Sinfonieorchester ∙ Bruno Philippe ∙ Christoph Eschenbach

Haydn’s gem, the Cello Concerto No.

1.

Forgotten for nearly 200 years, this work was miraculously rediscovered in 1961 at the National Museum in Prague.

Written for the Esterházy court orchestra, it brings out the cello’s allure to the fullest.

Comprising three movements, it captivates listeners with a wealth of techniques—from resonant low tones to nimble motion in the upper register.

A masterpiece that opened new possibilities for cello music, it’s highly recommended for those drawn to the instrument’s charm and for anyone wishing to experience the essence of Classical-era music.

Piano Sonata No. 35 in C major, Hob. XVI:35Franz Joseph Haydn

Haydn Sonata in C Major, Hob XVI 35 – Jean-Efflam Bavouzet

A piano sonata in three movements.

It is included in the Sonatina Album used for piano instruction, and is one of the best-known among Haydn’s piano sonatas.

The first movement is an expansive sonata form that showcases Haydn’s characteristic brightness.

String Quartet No. 35 in F minor, Op. 20 No. 5Franz Joseph Haydn

Quatuor Ebène : Joseph Haydn String quartet f-minor Op.20/5

This work, one of the “Sun” String Quartets that Haydn completed in 1772, is known for its innovative techniques and expressive depth.

It deftly merges contrapuntal writing with homophonic textures, creating a new musical space not found in earlier quartets.

Particularly notable is the fugue in the fourth movement, which demonstrates Haydn’s profound understanding of counterpoint.

Transcending formal and tonal boundaries to capture human emotion and the beauty of nature, this piece is highly recommended for anyone interested in classical music.

String Quartet No. 67 in D major “The Lark,” Op. 64 No. 5, Hob. III:63Franz Joseph Haydn

Haydn: String Quartet No. 67 “The Lark”

It is a string quartet included in the Third Tost Quartets, composed in 1790.

The title “Lark” was not given by Haydn himself; it was attached because the melody that appears at the beginning of the first movement is heard as resembling a lark’s song.

Symphony No. 102 in B-flat majorFranz Joseph Haydn

Haydn: Symphony No. 102 in B-Flat Major, Hob. I:102: IV. Finale. Presto

Composed by Haydn in 1794, this symphony is one of the masterpieces that epitomize his London period.

Consisting of four movements, it fully showcases the mature craftsmanship of Haydn.

At its premiere, there was an incident in which a chandelier fell, but the audience reportedly remained unharmed.

The work’s appeal lies in its variety: it begins with the otherworldly sonorities of the first movement, moves to the serene melody of the second, then to the cheerful peasant dance of the third, and concludes with a bright theme in the fourth that quotes a Croatian folk song.

It’s a highly recommended piece for those who wish to savor Haydn’s music in depth.

Piano Sonata No. 50 in D major, Hob. XVI/37Franz Joseph Haydn

Olga Scheps, Joseph Haydn – Joseph Haydn: Piano Sonata No. 50 in D Major, Hob. XVI:37

Composed in 1780, this piano sonata is a work that showcases Haydn’s talent to the fullest.

It is said to have been written for the Auenbrugger sisters, who were outstanding pianists.

Consisting of three movements—a bright and lively first movement, an introspective and fantastical second movement, and a vigorous, dynamic third movement—it offers a richly varied structure.

This piece, which superbly expresses Haydn’s technical mastery and musical imagination, is highly recommended for anyone wishing to enjoy classical music.