Sinfonia in C 'Comista'

The symphonies of Johann Baptist Wanhal (1739-1813), one of the most prolific and important of Haydn’s Viennese contemporaries, are among the most important works of their kind from the late-18th century. Bold and imaginative, powerful and lyrical, Wanhal’s symphonies are only now beginning to win wider recognition as the masterpieces they are. One of Wanhal’s late symphonies, C11 was most likely composed from 1775-78. Copies are found in five different archives and its existence is mentioned in three 18th-century catalogues or references. A manuscript score of C11 of unknown provenance and probably made in the early 19th century, is very interesting. It is not in Wanhal’s hand, but it has the finished appearance of a fair-copy and has the complete title, which is only partially contained on all of the sets of parts found in other sources. The title page is marked Sinfonia comista / con per la sorte diversa. The headings for the individual movements are marked, I Sinfonia la Speranza / Allegro con Brio, II. Andante cantabile / il sospirare e Languire , and III at the beginning: Finale: la Lamentazione / Adagio piu Andante and after 17 bars L’Allegrezza / Allegro. The symphony is, therefore, a programmatic work, whose individual movements are supposed to portray varied moods: I. ‘hope’, II. ‘sighingly and languidly’ and III. ‘lamentation’, followed by ‘gaiety, cheerfully and festive’. It must have been composed for an imaginative patron who would have appreciated the handsome score and being informed by the titles and intent of each movement.