Symphony No. 95 (Haydn)

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Symphony No. 95 in C minor, Hob. I/95, is Haydn’s third London symphony (Nos. 93–104). It is the only one in a minor key and the only London symphony without a slow introduction. Composed in 1791 for Haydn’s first trip to London, it likely premiered at the Hanover Square Rooms during the 1791 season, though the exact date is unknown. The work has four movements and is scored for flute, two oboes, two bassoons, two horns, two trumpets, timpani, and strings. The first movement starts with a main theme in two contrasting parts—bold and lyrical—with a transition to the relative major that uses elements of the main theme; the secondary theme is subtle and dance-like, and the exposition ends with a strong codetta. In the development the main theme is developed, and in the recapitulation the head of the main theme is omitted, while the secondary theme returns in C major, ending the movement in a major key. The minuet’s trio is a cello solo. The finale opens with a distinctive theme, and its first two bars form the basis for a long counterpoint section in the middle of the movement. Overall, the symphony is noted for its minor key, energetic development, and unusual lack of a slow introduction at the start.