Many of Haydn's concertos are now lost, possibly contributing to why he is not as renowned for his concertos as he is for other genres.
The Fantasia in C major, Hob.XVII:4, was composed by Haydn 'in a moment of great good humour' and is based on an Austrian folk song.
Haydn spent nearly 30 years as court composer to Prince Nikolaus Esterházy, whose musical tastes largely dictated Haydn's compositional output.
Joseph Haydn, known as the 'father' of the symphony and pioneer of the string quartet, also composed around forty concertos.
Haydn's Symphony No. 83, nicknamed 'La Poule' (The Hen), features a 'cheeky clucking motif' that emerges from its stern opening.
Haydn's concertos, while not as sophisticated or passionate as his symphonies, offer his characteristic geniality, elegance, wit, and ebullience.
