Overview
Introduction
The Symphony No. 85 in B flat major, Hoboken 1/85, is the fourth of the six "Paris" symphonies (numbers 82-87) written by Joseph Haydn. It is popularly known as La Reine (The Queen).
Background
The 85th Symphony was completed in either 1785 or 1786.[1] It made its way to America early on, at first through a keyboard arrangement such as one played by Nelly Custis at the White House.
Nickname (La Reine)
The nickname La Reine originated because the work was a favorite of Marie Antoinette, at the time Queen of France. It is the only one of the Paris symphonies whose nickname is of 18th-century origin.
Movements
The symphony is in standard four movement form and is scored for flute, two oboes, two bassoons, two horns, and strings.
- Adagio–Vivace
- Romance: Allegretto
- Menuetto: Allegretto
- Finale: Presto
The first movement contains a reference to Symphony No. 45. The second movement is described by H. C. Robbins Landon as "a set of variations on the old French folk-song 'La gentille et jeune Lisette';[6] see Haydn and folk music.
or, Hoboken 1/85, is the fourth of the six "Paris" symphonies (numbers 82-87) written by Joseph Haydn. It is popularly known as La Reine (The Queen).
