Prince Esterhazy was sometimes in the habit of lingering too long
after concerts. The musicians were anxious to get home to their families, so
Haydn wrote a clever piece to hint that it was time to leave. During the last
movement of the work the musicians would, one by one, stand with their
instruments, blow out their candles and leave the stage, until only two
violinists remained. At this point, the Prince would turn to his guests and say,
"we may as well go, too."
