Symphony No. 31 in D Major, 1st Movement

Symphony No. 31 in D Major, “Hornsignal,” Mvt. I Franz Joseph Haydn – Arranged by Thomas LaJoie This arrangement of the first movement from Haydn’s Symphony No. 31, known as the “Hornsignal,” brings the brilliance and vitality of the original orchestral work to the string ensemble. Carefully adapted to preserve the spirit of Haydn’s writing, wind parts have been thoughtfully incorporated into the string textures, allowing the ensemble to capture the work’s characteristic brightness and energy. The cello and bass lines remain true to the original score, providing a strong and authentic foundation throughout. To reflect the dialogue and contrast found in Haydn’s orchestration, echoing scalar passages are skillfully distributed among the violins and violas, creating a sense of interplay across the ensemble. In a creative departure from the original scoring, the violas take on the iconic “horn signal” material, giving them a prominent and engaging role while maintaining the identity of the symphony. This arrangement offers a rewarding opportunity for string players to explore Classical style, ensemble communication, and the lively character that defines Haydn’s music.