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Haydn’s position at the time of composition

Prince Nicolaus Esterházy, called the Magnificent, in whose service Haydn stood, died in the autumn of 1790. His successor Prince Anton Esterházy (1790-94), who had only little interest in music, dissolved the band. The annual pension granted by the Prince (1,400 florins, increased to 2,300 florins after the London success) guaranteed Haydn a safe financial position. So he decided to move to Vienna.

Why did Haydn accept the invitation to London?
In November 1790 Haydn was visited in Vienna by the composer and violinist Johann Peter Salomon. The latter hoped to boost his concert enterprise, which had got into financial difficulties, by engaging Haydn. For a high remuneration Haydn pledged to write 6 new symphonies and to conduct them himself in London.

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