Joseph Haydn's so-called Paris Symphonies were composed in 1785 and 1786 for the masonic lodge 'Société Olympique' in Paris, which ran a large orchestra and organised regular concerts. These six works are notable for their artful motivic work and playful wit. Haydn here pays tribute both to the discerning taste of the Paris audience and to the excellent abilities of the musicians in the orchestra.

These symphonies rapidly became famous and popular throughout Europe, thanks to editions publis...