Symphony No. 31 in D major, Hornsignal
Joseph Haydn
Work background
Researched classical background
Haydn wrote the Hornsignal Symphony for an orchestra with four horns, making that enlarged group immediately audible. The finale is a set of variations that features different instrumental soloists, including the double bass. At the close, the opening horn signal returns. The symphony thus displays the abilities of particular players while binding its beginning and ending together.
A listening guide
Follow the soloists through the final variations and recognize the returning horn call.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Flute, two oboes, four horns and strings
Composition: 1765
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: Hornsignal; Horn Signal
Haydn2032: Hornsignal project
1765 work, four horns, finale solo variations and recurring horn signal | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Haydn2032: Hornsignal project
1765 work, four horns, finale solo variations and recurring horn signal | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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