Haydn's numerous divertimentos for strings and winds are cheerful, functional music about whose genesis we know very little. Many stem from Haydn's early years, when the composer had to keep his head above water with musical odd jobs. Thus the Divertimento in D major Hob. II:8, for two flutes, two horns, two violins and bass, was probably composed already in the 1750s. It is one of Haydn's few chamber works to employ flutes.