Symphony No. 88 in G Major

The first from a sequence of five such works composed between his “Paris” and “London” symphonies, Haydn’s Symphony No. 88 was written and premiered at the Eszterháza estate of his employer in 1787. Its subtitle is that under which it was once catalogued by the Royal Philharmonic Society and not directly connected with the piece itself. After a scene-setting “Adagio” introduction, the opening “Allegro” centres on a theme for strings whose initial rhythmic gesture remains audible throughout. The most distinctive movement is the “Largo” in D major, its graceful melody for oboe and cello punctuated by chords that feature trumpets and timpani (only the second time Haydn had included these in a symphonic slow movement). Marked “Allegretto”, the “Menuetto” has a rambunctious gait offset by the country dance-like grace of its trio. The “Allegro con spirito” then unfolds as a perpetuum mobile (perpetual motion) finale, carried through with an irresistible amalgam of energy and humour.