The symphony is scored for
flute, two
oboes, two
bassoons, two
horns, two
trumpets,
timpani and
strings. It is in standard four-
movement form: The first movement opens with the main theme, which consists of two contrasting parts—the first is strong in character and the second is more lyrical. The transition to the relative major has elements of the head of the main theme. The secondary theme contrasts the main theme by being very subtle in nature, and has a dance-like rhythm. The exposition concludes with a strong codetta. The development is primarily built around the head of the main theme, which is thoroughly developed. The recapitulation omits the head of the main theme, and the secondary theme is recapitulated in C major, thus ending the movement in a major key. It is the only one of the London symphonies that does not begin with a slow introduction to the first movement. The trio of the minuet is a solo for the
cello. The finale opens with the following theme: : The first two bars of this theme are the basis for an extensive section of counterpoint in the middle of the movement. == References ==