Symphony No. 86 in D Major

Written at the Eszterháza estate of his employers in 1786 and first performed in Paris the following year, Haydn’s Symphony No. 86 is the fifth of his six “Paris” symphonies. It is scored for flute, timpani, strings and two each of oboes, bassoons, horns and trumpets. After its ingratiating “Adagio” introduction, the initial “Allegro spiritoso” is spaciously conceived, with numerous expressive subtleties. Marked “Capriccio” (the second of only two occasions when Haydn used the term throughout his 104 symphonies), the “Largo” turns to G major for a slow movement whose gradually changing harmonic progressions had a potent influence on Mozart’s later and Schubert’s earlier symphonies. Unfolding as a steady “Allegretto”, the “Menuetto” displays a robust vigour complemented by the rustic charm of its trio. Permeated by an initial repeated-note idea, the “Allegro con spirito” finale exudes wit and humour on its way to an effervescent conclusion. About Haydn’s “Paris Symphonies” Although his earlier symphonies had made a degree of headway across Europe, it was not until 1785 that Haydn was able to compose directly to a commission outside of the Eszterháza estate, where he had been in service for almost two decades. Instigated by the philanthropic Comte D’Ogny and negotiated by Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, who also directed the Orchestra of the Olympic Lodge that premiered these works, the “Paris Symphonies” were a great success—not least because of the sheer size of orchestral forces involved. Published in Paris in 1786 and in London two years later, they mark the onset of Haydn’s international reputation.