[2] As with his first violin concerto, it might have been written for Luigi Tomasini, concertmaster of the Esterházy orchestra, where Haydn was kapellmeister.

[3] Although having been called "uniquely beautiful,"[4] Haydn remarked, "I was no wizard on any instrument, but I knew the potentialities and effects of all.

"[5] Scored for solo violin, string orchestra, and basso continuo.

The first movement is smooth, and plaintive, in sonata form, with concise phrases and ornate embellishments.

This is followed by an aria-like middle movement, which weaves between major and minor keys.