Symphony No. 45 in F-sharp minor, Farewell
Joseph Haydn
Work background
Researched classical background
Haydn ends this minor-key symphony with an unexpected slow section in which players stop playing and leave until only two muted violins remain. The gesture is associated with the Esterhazy musicians' wish to return home after an extended stay at the summer palace. The unusual ending grows out of a four-movement work whose opening is notably urgent.
Inspiration and creative background
The closing departures conveyed the court musicians' request to return home to their families.
Haydn2032: L'Addio
Farewell Symphony history and unusual finale | Reviewed 2026-10-19
A listening guide
In the final Adagio, follow the gradual reduction of the ensemble to two violins.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Orchestra
Composition: 1772
This entry describes the musical work or cycle. Composition, premiere and publication dates describe different events. Performers and recordings can be explored through the external listening search.
Also known as: Farewell Symphony; Abschiedssinfonie
Haydn2032: L'Addio
Farewell Symphony history and unusual finale | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Haydn2032: Symphony Index
Catalogue identifiers, date estimates, movement headings and scoring; dates treated as estimates when marked uncertain | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Haydn2032: L'Addio
Farewell Symphony history and unusual finale | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Haydn2032: Symphony Index
Catalogue identifiers, date estimates, movement headings and scoring; dates treated as estimates when marked uncertain | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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