Symphony No.45 in F-sharp minor, Hoboken I/45 ‘Farewell Symphony’ - Joseph Haydn

Symphony No.45 in F-sharp minor, Hoboken I/45 ‘Farewell Symphony’ by Joseph Haydn

Haydn completed this symphony in 1772 while working at the court of Prince Nikolaus Esterházy I. At the time, the Prince and his entire retinue were lodging at their summer palace in rural Hungary. The stay at the summer palace was longer than the musicians had anticipated, and they were eager to return home.

To persuade the Prince to allow their return, Haydn composed this symphony. The final movement has each player finish and leave until only two violins are left playing, which at the first performance was Haydn and the concertmaster.

The work is comprised of four movements: I. Allegro assai 00:00 II. Adagio 05:36 III. Menuet e Trio – Allegretto 14:29 IV. Finale: Presto - Adagio - Presto – Adagio 17:57