95th Symphony

The understated work of Haydn’s 95th Symphony displays a variety of uncommon techniques and symphonic devices that create a dramatic yet lyrical work of music. The work is the third of Haydn’s 12 London Symphonies and diverts from common characteristics of Haydn’s works most notably it being the only minor tonality among the London Symphonies. The first movement (of which will be explored in this essay) creates a unique stance among Haydn’s other symphonies, in that the work omits a slow introduction and unlike his other symphonies in C minor he does not carry the tonality through the work, rather ending the work in C major

Structure
Exposition
Theme 1
Theme 2
Codetta
Development
Developments of the different phrases in theme 1
Development of different phrases in theme 2
Expansion
Re-transition …show more content…
Pitch-wise the 5 note melody is quite high in the instruments registers to create a dramatic opening yet the second phrase of the theme is considerably lower lending itself to a much more sombre mood and allowing progression to the theme being repeated at bar 10.Theme 1 is the fundamental manifestation of the minor tonality of this work. Additionally the takes on an undulating form in the second phrase towards the end of the theme. To duration the movement is manipulated by its marking as Allegro and is characterised by staccato minim then crotchet melody followed by an answering dotted quaver rhythm that perfectly provides a lyrical answer to the stark chords of the first phrase and is then followed by quaver, crotchet and minim melodies that lead into the repeat. The theme is homophonic with all instruments, excluding trombone and timpani, carrying the melody at the beginning and then Violin 1 taking over the melody. this is accompanied by a brief chordal accompaniment from timpani and trombone followed by various chordal accompaniments for the melody in the violin 1 part, which in turn is accompanied with