Album insights
Haydn's profound success during his first visit to London in the concert seasons of 1791 and 1792, which lasted over 18 months, led to attempts to bring him back for the following season. Johann Peter Salomon, the German-born concert director residing in London, who had previously engaged Haydn for the seasons, expected him to leave Vienna again and return to London for the new subscription season starting in February 1793. However, due to health issues resulting from a nasal polyp and a failed operation, Haydn was unable to return to England as anticipated.
A year later, feeling healthy and strong, Haydn embarked on another journey to London in January 1794, accompanied by his servant and copyist Johann Elssler. Despite facing challenges due to wartime conditions, the delay in reaching London caused Haydn to miss the first concert of Salomon's new season. Eventually, Haydn presented his new Symphony No. 99 in E minor to the London audience on February 10, followed by Symphony No. 101 in D major and Symphony No. 102 in B-flat major at subsequent concerts.
Haydn's Symphony No. 101 received enthusiastic acclaim in the London press, with its opening slow introduction leading to its deserved fame, especially due to the distinctive second movement nicknamed "The Clock." As Haydn continually impressed with his musical innovations, the symphony's finale stood out as one of his grandest pieces, showcasing daring structural and motivic inspirations. The musical career of Haydn evolved with each symphony, with the minuets becoming more prominent and resembling Beethoven's sonata-form scherzos.
The premiere of Symphony No. 102 followed, showcasing thematic strictness and dreamlike qualities in its adagio and minuet movements. The finale of Symphony No. 102, a witty sonata-rondo, reflected Haydn's musical versatility and humor. Additionally, Haydn's overture for the Masked Ball at Windsor Castle in April 1795, composed for the royal wedding celebrations, was particularly admired, leading to its later incorporation into his opera "L'anima del filosofo."