London with its bustling musical scene always provided Haydn with welcome surroundings at a time when the Flute was extraordinarily popular among English amateurs. The Earl of Abingdon an accomplished flautist undoubtedly enjoyed playing these entertaining trios. Abingdon was a member of Haydn s circle of acquaintances in London and a composer in his own right: a theme from one of his songs ( The Lady s Mirror ) servedHaydn for a set of variations in the second trio. Neither of the men could have foreseen the huge success that these cheerful and straightforward pieces would enjoy among music-lovers all over the world.
