Finale from Symphony No. 45

Description

In 1772, the musicians in the orchestra of Prince Nicolaus Esterhaza had grown restless after a long season of service in the Prince’s remote castle. Wishing to rejoin their wives and children in Vienna, they became desperate and approached their beloved conductor, Joseph Haydn, for help. The result was the “Farewell” Symphony in which the regular Presto Finale was broken off and a long Adagio began. During the course of this movement, one player after another blew out his candle and departed, leaving at the and two leaving at the end two violins, Tomasini and Haydn himself. As they were about to leave. the Prince, having grasped the idea, is supposed to have said: “Well, if they all leave, we might as well as leave too.” And the whole court departed the next day.

Published by: Wynn Music Publishers