Symphony No. 74 in E♭ major, Hoboken 1/74, is a symphony by Joseph Haydn composed in 1780 or 1781.
Movements
The symphony is scored for flute, two oboes, bassoon, two horns and strings. There are four movements:
- Vivace assai
- Adagio cantabile in B♭ major
- Menuetto & Trio: Allegretto, 3
4 - Finale: Allegro assai, 6
8
The first movement opens in standard Italian style with three loud chords followed by a quiet response. The second theme group is based on an inversion of the quiet response.
The second movement opens like a serenade with muted violins playing a melody over a guitar-like accompaniment in the cello. What follows is a set of three loosely structured variations which avoid the simple strophic pattern of previous sets by allowing the lead-ins and interludes to overlap and a coda which features a small fugato.
The minuet features Lombard rhythms and the trio lets the first violin and the bassoon carry the melody.
The finale is gigue-like and in sonata form.