Now that's interesting. I like Haydn's choral music, but I think his symphonies are among the most unappreciated music ever written. He had a great sense of humor and spirit that was well expressed in his symphonies. I can't remember the exact piece, but I have played one of his symphonies in which the entire orchestra stops and the violin section is instructed to "tune" their G strings. This had to be a very odd sight for the audience and I wonder if this particular move was Haydn's own way of addressing a critic of a previous concert.
I think of most of these works as light and fun. Nothing more.
We actually agree. His symphonic compositions are too simple and do not hold my interest. Since I really do not know much about music theory (I only go by what sounds good to my ear) perhaps there is something I'm missing here.
I'd like to plug Haydn's quartets too. (And the masses.)