The opening of the first movement begins with two lyrical measures played pianissimo followed by a tutti outburst of four chords which is the reverse-order of the declamatory question/lyrical answer openings that Haydn had used in recent symphonies such as numbers 44, 46 and 65. A wealth of transitional material follows before the second theme arrives in the dominant, colorfully scored for violins and violas played in octaves. High horn parts add brilliant color throughout the movement.