Symphony No. 60 (Haydn)

Symphony No. 60 in C major, Hob. I:60, is a symphony composed by Joseph Haydn, nicknamed "Il distratto" (The Distracted). It was written in 1774 and is notable for its theatrical nature and humorous musical jokes.

The symphony was originally composed as incidental music for a now-lost comedy, Le Distrait (The Distracted One), based on the French play of the same name by Jean-François Regnard. Haydn later adapted the overture and other movements from the play into a complete symphony, adding new material to fill out the symphonic form.

The symphony consists of six movements:

1. Allegro: The first movement is a lively and energetic sonata form.

2. Andante: The second movement is a more lyrical and graceful movement in G major.

3. Menuetto e Trio: Allegretto: A traditional minuet and trio movement.

4. Presto: This movement contains one of the most famous and humorous moments in the symphony. The orchestra abruptly stops playing, then resumes, seemingly out of tune. The violins then comically retune their top string, then the piece restarts.

5. Allegretto: A gentle and charming movement.

6. Finale: Prestissimo: A fast-paced and boisterous finale. The finale features a memorable passage where the horns, playing in unison, appear to get "stuck" on a single note, repeating it comically before finding their way back to the main theme. The piece ends with a sudden and unexpected halt.

The humorous elements throughout the symphony, particularly in the fourth and sixth movements, contribute to its enduring popularity. It is a prime example of Haydn's wit and his ability to blend musical sophistication with lighthearted entertainment.