J. HAYDN – SYMPHONY NO. 44 IN E MINOR (“TRAUERSYMPHONIE”)

Symphony No. 44 in E minor (1772) is one of the most representative works of the Sturm und Drang (“Storm and Stress”) period in the career of Joseph Haydn, composed while he was serving at the Esterházy court. This period (late 1760s to early 1770s) is characterized by heightened emotional intensity, dramatic use of minor keys, and a more forceful treatment of dynamics compared to the balanced style of the Classical norm. The symphony bears the nickname “Trauersymphonie” (“Mourning Symphony”)—a title given later—associated with the legend that Haydn wished for its slow movement to be performed at his own funeral. Both the bold opening motif and the ensuing sense of melancholy clearly reflect the expressive depth of this evolving style.

Movement I (Allegro con brio), in sonata form, opens with a sharp, tense four-note unison motif that permeates the entire movement as a developmental nucleus. This motif becomes the defining feature of the first theme, continuously transformed through variation, imitation, and dynamic intensification. The second theme provides a clear contrast, shifting to G major with a more lyrical and graceful character, creating the necessary balance within the sonata structure. However, even in the more relaxed passages, a sense of underlying tension persists through restless rhythmic motion and dark harmonic coloring.

Haydn reverses the conventional order of the inner movements: instead of placing the slow movement before the minuet, he positions the dance movement first.

Movement II (Menuetto – Allegretto) is far more than a simple courtly minuet; it carries a serious, almost dramatic character. Its contrapuntal texture is evident in the imitation between the upper and lower string parts, offset by one measure, creating a sense of pursuit and tension. The Trio section shifts to a warmer, more relaxed atmosphere, offering a moment of repose within the movement’s otherwise austere character.

Movement III (Adagio) is among Haydn’s most beautiful slow movements. The strings are muted (con sordino), producing a soft and veiled sonority. Gone are the storms and driving impulses; the music enters a state of stillness and introspection. The melodic lines of the oboe and horns emerge above the gentle string texture, creating an atmosphere that is both solemn and serene—like a moment of inner contemplation amid a turbulent world.

Movement IV (Finale – Presto) returns to the fierce energy and tension of the opening movement. The rapid tempo, urgent rhythmic patterns, and continuous development of thematic material generate an unrelenting sense of drive. The principal theme is almost constantly present in varied forms, sustaining a concentrated intensity through to the final bars.

Symphony No. 44 is scored for a Classical orchestra of strings, two oboes, and two horns. Despite its modest forces, Haydn fully exploits the dialogic interplay between instrumental groups, creating a sonic world that is both concise and powerful. Today, the work is regarded as one of the quintessential examples of the Sturm und Drang style in eighteenth-century symphonic music.

Celebrating the birthday of Joseph Haydn—the composer who shaped the symphony and the Classical orchestral model: March 31, 1732 – March 31, 2026.

Mai Hạnh, March 31, 2026.