This piece is pretty typical of the late eighteenth century. First of all, it has many sudden contrasts - the opening statement, which is a loud, brassy arpeggio that sounds like a trumpet call, is immediately followed by two soft, flowing phrases. This is different from the Baroque, which rarely changed mood suddenly. Also, the presence of any contrast is also a change from Baroque music, in which composers solely expressed one mood.
Second, there is a lot of thematic material. Instead of taking one theme and developing it by adding voices, Haydn introduces new themes altogether.
Third, the focus is on natural-sounding, flowing phrases rather than technical virtuosity. Put more simply, it has a hummable tune. Whereas Baroque music was very intellectual and contrapuntal, this piece has simple, monophonic melodies that are enjoyable to the casual listener.
As a result, it made me feel very pleasant. After listening to Bach's preludes and fugues for organ, I understand why historians consider classical music to be more natural - it seems much more expressive and understandable.
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