Haydn J. Symphony No 101 (Clock). Pocket Score

Joseph Haydn (1732–1809) — the Austrian composer, belonging to the galaxy of the Viennese classics. Among his opuses there are over one hundred symphonies.

12 London symphonies are the apex of Haydn's creations. The scores were made for two concert tours to the capital of England, organized after Prince Nicolas Eszterhazy had died and his Kapelle (where the composer served) had been dismissed. According to the agreement with the London entrepreneur Peter Saloman Haydn was to conduct several concerts during each tour (end of 1790–1792, 1794–1796) and to compose six symphonies for each tour (and opera during the first tour). Thus Haydn got in his disposal but not only professional orchestras, some of them included 40–50 performers — too grandiose for those days.

The Symphony № 101 D major belongs to the second series of the London symphonies, dating 1793–1795. This symphony was named “Clock” (the title was not invented by the author) because of the monotonous droning accompaniment (ticking clock) in the second movement.