Symphony No. 61 (Haydn)

Movements

The symphony is scored for flute, two oboes, two bassoons, two horns, timpani and strings. There are four movements:

1. Vivace
2. Adagio, 3
   4 in A major
3. Menuetto & Trio: Allegretto, 3
   4
4. Finale: Prestissimo

The opening movement is colorfully orchestrated. Particularly notable is the second theme which starts with pulsating oboes and bassoon before the flute enters with a falling motif. The expositional coda also features a pulsating accompaniment against a chromatic rise in the strings.

Daniel Heartz has noted the "hunt"-like character of the final movement, and Haydn's greater mastery of rondo form compared to earlier symphonies.