In his position as Kapellmeister to Prince Nikolaus Esterházy, Joseph Haydn was both an employee and, in a sense, the employer of the fine musicians who comprised the resident house band.
In 1772, in what was an especially long season at Nikolaus’ grand country castle (built in Hungary, at enormous expense, to compete with Versailles), the musicians, understandably lonely for their families and wanting to return to Vienna, sought their boss’ help.
The crafty Haydn did what any red-blooded Austrian composer would do: he wrote a symphony. But he waited until the last movement to press his case. There, when the music’s dynamic momentum could bring the movement to a close, there is a pause, and an unexpected Adagio begins. As this new section proceeded, player after player finished his part (no hers in that orchestra), blew out his candle, and left, until only two violins (Haydn himself and Luigi Tomasini) remained, and they too followed their colleagues. It is said that the mission was accomplished: the good Prince gave his musicians their leave.
Here, for your enjoyment is the Symphony #45 by Haydn:
