Cocktail Party Fact: This is the first of the so-called “Paris” Symphonies, written specifically for a concert series in the French capital. The title (which is not Haydn’s–none of them are) was inspired by the finale, which reminded someone at some point of a dancing bear.

Commitment Factor: 20 - 25 minutes

Vital Statistics: Classical Period (1786). A grand, four- movement symphony for full classical orchestra (that is, including trumpets and drums, which were still somewhat unusual at this date).

What to Listen For: Obviously, the finale is the stand-out movement–a rustic dance over a bagpipe drone, with some spectacular writing for winds and timpani. But there is much else besides–check out the second theme of the first movement: a dainty thing supported entirely by a single low note on the bassoon. The second movement is a Theme and Variations in moderate tempo–a type of slow movement invented by Haydn (along with just about everything else in the classical orchestral tradition).