WFCC

Classical Fact

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."