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”) served Haydn for a set of variations in the second trio.

Neither men cou...