This is a delightful first movement, where Haydn's playfulness is also evident. Although it is Allegro in 2/4 time, which might lead one to assume a very fast tempo, it is important to set a tempo where the 32nd notes and ornaments such as turns, which appear in this first movement, are clearly audible, taking care not to play too fast.

Performance Tips for the First Movement

A key hint for performing this first movement lies in the handling of small note values. For example, at the beginning, in the anacrusis, there are four 32nd notes, and the author's score indicates legato. Such groups of four 32nd notes are characteristic of this piece and appear throughout. Points to note:

• Play the four notes marcato, ensuring all four are clearly audible.
• In halls with significant reverberation, these four notes might sound like a block; therefore, even if legato is indicated, play them somewhat dryly, marcato, and non-legato.

While the desire to play these four notes in one swift motion is understandable, playing them too fluidly can lead to unevenness, lack of clarity in articulation, or a blurred sound. Even if the overall tempo is slightly slower, ensure these four 32nd notes are heard clearly as four distinct notes.

Similarly, the turns appearing in the right hand in measures 19-21 should be treated the same way.

Other Points to Note

• Patterns like those in measure 13 also appear frequently. Imagine violin bowing: the second note of a pair should be played lightly, briefly, and without emphasis. Under no circumstances should you put force on the second note.
• When the right and left hands are in close proximity, as in measures 18-21, the right hand tends to be overshadowed by the left. The left hand should be played dryly, lightly, and pp.
• In measure 53, even though it's Adagio, do not forget the duple meter. Be careful not to slow down too much here.