Music to demonstrate that the flutist is indispensible...
Performed by Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, conducted by Giordano Bellincampi.
Melanie Lançon - Principal Flute, Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra Photo: APO
Haydn wrote 104 symphonies, which sounds dauntingly impressive, but many of the early ones were very short and light, bright and bubbly, like this one.
It dates from 1765 when he was 33 years old and working for his immensely wealthy employer, Prince Esterhazy.
There are three short movements, an Allegro, an Andante, and a Minuet. The second movement features prominent and wonderful flute solos, which Haydn may have written to demonstrate how indispensible the flutist in the Esterhazy orchestra, Franz Sigel, was. He was under threat of dismissal after starting a small fire.
Text by Indra Hughes
Recorded by RNZ Concert, 8 November 2018
Producer: Tim Dodd; Sound engineer: Adrian Hollay
