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At this point a summary may perhaps be made of the compositions
written by Haydn during these five years a Eisenstadt. The list,
as given by Pohl, comprises, in addition to the works already
named, about thirty symphonies six string trios, a few
divertimenti in five parts, a piece for four violins and two
'celli, entitled "Echo," twelve minuets for orchestra, concertos,
trios, sonatas and variations for clavier, and, in vocal music, a
"Salve Regina" for soprano and alto, two violins and organ. It
would serve no useful purpose to deal with these works in detail.
The symphonies are, of course, the most important feature in the
list, but of these we shall speak generally when treating of
Haydn as the father of instrumental music. The first Symphony in
C Major, usually called "Le Midi," is of special interest.
The autograph score, dated 1761, and preserved at Eisenstadt,
is superscribed, "In Nomine Domini," and closes with Haydn's
customary "Laus Deo" after the final signature The work is in
the usual four movements. The symphonies of this date included
also those known in England as "Le Matin" and "Le Soir," the
one beginning--and the other--
Of the string quartets and other instrumental compositions of the
period nothing need be said. In all these the composer was simply
feeling his way towards a more perfect expression, and as few of
them are now performed, their interest for us is almost entirely
antiquarian.
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