1761: Haydn: Symphony No. 3 in G major (“Canon Minuet”), age 26

Mr. Peabody Says:

The minuet has something called “canones in diapason”, which simply means that something is constantly repeated one bar later and and an octave lower. A diapason is an organ stop sounding a main register of flue pipes, typically of eight-foot pitch, and this same word is used for an octave.

Start here:

Here is the 3rd movement with the “canons”. Try to listen to a bit of Fischer and Antonini. Antonini generally picks a faster temp for minuets. Fischer’s is about 3:10 long. Antonini’s is about 2:40, a lot faster. I think I prefer his for this movement.

Minuet and Trio (Fischer), G major

Minuet and Trio (Antonini), G major

Adam Fischer

  1. Allegro, G major
  2. Andante moderato, G minor
  3. Minuet and Trio, G major
  4. Allegro, G major

Giovanni Antonini

  1. Allegro, G major
  2. Andante moderato, G minor
  3. Minuet and Trio, G major
  4. Allegro, G major

Morzin or Esterhazy?

Symphony No. 3 i is believed to have been written between 1760 and 1762, so we aren’t sure. Haydn started his new employment in 1761. It was one of the earliest symphonies to have four movements:

Nickname:

There is none. Every symphony could use one. But I don’t have one – yet. Although I may go with “Canon Minuet”.

Instruments:

  • 2 oboes
  • bassoon
  • 2 horns
  • strings
  • continuo

2 thoughts on “1761: Haydn: Symphony No. 3 in G major (“Canon Minuet”), age 26

  1. I just finished hearing a Handel Oratorio in a period setting with period instruments, and there was this same “greater amount of rhythm” that I hear in the Antonini. It adds life. That said, I also liked the Fischer, which made me want to wear lace sleeves, a powdered wig, and retire to my chambers after the performance for a refreshing nap.

  2. I also prefer the speed of the Antonini version. I feel like for this minuet the slower tempo makes it drag on and bores me to a degree. I like the instrument choice too. I always admired the sound of a good double reed player, (especially due to my experience as one).

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