Symphony No.87 in A major (Hob.I:87) (Full Score)

Haydn Symphony No.87 in A major (Hob.I:87) (Full Score)

In the winter of 1784-85 Joseph Haydn was commissioned by the Loge Olympique in Paris to compose six symphonies for its orchestra, the Concert de la Loge Olympique.  The commission was probably initiated by Claude-François-Marie Rigoley, Comte d’Ogny, for the autograph manuscripts of the symphony found their way into his private library.  Haydn himself never set foot in Paris, and it is not known whether he was informed about the musical taste in this distant city or the large size and high quality of the orchestra he wrote for.  Whatever the case, he did not take these local circumstances into account, but tailored the works entirely to suit conditions at Esterháza Palace, where he also gave the Paris Symphonies their first hearings.

The Symphony in A major, Hob.I:87 was composed in 1785 and renumbered as No.1 in a letter from Haydn to the publisher Artaria in 1787.  The Paris symphonies achieved a nearly unparalleled success being performed numerous times and published within a short period of time in Paris, London and Vienna.

The Haydn Complete Edition of Symphony No.87 is based on the autograph and the three first editions of the symphony.

- Urtext of the Joseph Haydn Works

- Full score & parts (BA4685) available for sale