Franz Joseph Haydn's (1732-1809) SYMPHONY NO. 60 IN C MAJOR, "IL DISTRATTO" ("THE DISTRACTED"), Hob. I:60, premiered in 1774 as incidental music for the comedic play LE DISTRAIT by Jean-Francois Regnard. Structured in six movements, the symphony is an inventive blend of theatrical flair and symphonic form, showcasing Haydn's wit and creativity. It is filled with musical jokes, including abrupt key changes, a mock-serious slow movement, and famously, a false start in the finale where the violins abruptly stop to re-tune. The symphony stands as one of Haydn's most experimental and theatrical. While not as frequently performed as his later London symphonies, it remains a favorite among orchestras and audiences for its cleverness and charm, embodying Haydn's role as a pioneer of musical wit. Instrumentation: 0.2.0.1: 2.2.0.0: Timp: Str (4.4.3.3.3 in set). Reprint of the critical edition by H.C. Robbins Landon.