Haydn: First and Last

Joseph Haydn’s first symphony in 1759 seemed to burst into being as the product of a fully formed creative genius. When he composes his last – four decades and over 100 symphonies later – for his London residency (1791 – 95), we are left with a body of work of remarkable consistency. Not only are there no gaps or mediocre pieces in his catalogue, but each composition is also a creative gem. Tonight’s concert presents a panoramic view of Haydn’s music; a universe emerging as if from the big bang with galaxies of energetic runs, glorious arching melodies and dexterous orchestration that appear to exist in both its first and last moments.