The Symphony No. 101 in D major (Hoboken 1/101) is the ninth of the twelve so-called London Symphonies written by Joseph Haydn. It is popularly known as The Clock because of the "ticking" rhythm throughout the second movement.
Composition, premiere, and reception
Haydn completed the symphony in 1793 or 1794. He wrote it for the second of his two visits to London (1791-2, 1794-5).
The work was premiered on 3 March 1794, in the Hanover Square Rooms, as part of a concert series featuring Haydn's work organized by his colleague and friend Johann Peter Salomon; a second performance took place a week later.
As was generally true for the London symphonies, the response of the audience was very enthusiastic.
The Morning Chronicle reported:
As usual the most delicious part of the entertainment was a new grand Overture [that is, symphony] by HAYDN; the inexhaustible, the wonderful, the sublime HAYDN! The first two movements were encored; and the character that pervaded the whole composition was heartfelt joy. Ever new Overture he writes, we fear, till it is heard, he can only repeat himself; and we are every time mistaken.
The work has always been popular and continues to appear frequently on concert programs and in recordings.
The music It is scored for two flutes, two oboes, two clarinets, two bassoons, two horns, two trumpets, timpani and strings.
The work is in standard four-movement form, as follows:
1. Adagio - Presto 0:00, 2. Andante 8:15
3. Menuetto: Allegretto 14:15, 4. Vivace 21:25
* R Norrington
*New York Philharmonic, Leonard Bernstein conductor