Symphony No. 14 (Michael Haydn) Explained

Michael Haydn's Symphony No. 14 in B-flat major, Perger 52, Sherman 14, MH 133, was written in Salzburg between 1768 and 1770^[1] For some reason Lothar Perger believed it to be the last symphony Michael Haydn ever wrote. This work was at one time attributed to Joseph Haydn, the third work in B-flat major so attributed.

The score is unusual for a number of reasons: the second movement contains an extended concerto-like solo for bassoon, and is subtitled "Concertino per il Fagotto”. In addition to the normal complement of strings, two oboes and two bassoons, it calls for four 4 horns. The third movement is, atypically, a minuet and trio, and in the subdominant E-flat major instead of the home key.

It is in three movements:

1. Allegro molto
2. Adagio ma non troppo ("Concertino per il Fagotto”),
3. Menuetto e Trio

N.B. The recording on Olympia OCD 404 claiming to be of this Symphony is in fact that of P.9 Symphony 11.

Notes

1. Web site: Beermann. Frank. Frank Beermann. Michael Haydn Symphonies. CPO.

References

• A. Delarte, "A Quick Overview Of The Instrumental Music Of Michael Haydn" Bob's Poetry Magazine November 2006: 36–37 (PDF)
• Charles H. Sherman and T. Donley Thomas, Johann Michael Haydn (1737 - 1806), a chronological thematic catalogue of his works. Stuyvesant, New York: Pendragon Press (1993)
• C. Sherman, "Johann Michael Haydn" in The Symphony: Salzburg, Part 2 London: Garland Publishing (1982): lxv