Development of the Classical Symphony: From Haydn to Beethoven (c.1750–1808)

1. Haydn’s first surviving symphony takes shape

   Jan 1, 1759Labels: Joseph Haydn, Count Morzin

   • Haydn 1

2. Haydn joins Esterházy court orchestra system

   Jan 1, 1761Labels: Joseph Haydn, Esterh zy

   • Oxford Academic

3. Haydn expands the symphony into four movements

   Jan 1, 1765Labels: Joseph Haydn, Four-movement form

   • Britannica

4. Haydn’s “Farewell” Symphony uses musical drama

   Jan 1, 1772Labels: Symphony No, Joseph Haydn

   • Haydn 45

5. Mozart absorbs and advances the Haydn model

   Jan 1, 1781Labels: Wolfgang Mozart, Joseph Haydn

   • Britannica

6. Haydn’s “Paris” commissions broaden symphonic reach

   Jan 1, 1786Labels: Paris Symphonies, Joseph Haydn

   • Britannica

7. Mozart’s “Prague” Symphony premieres to acclaim

   Jan 19, 1787Labels: Symphony No, Wolfgang Mozart

   • Mozart 38

8. Mozart completes the “Jupiter” Symphony

   Aug 10, 1788Labels: Symphony No, Wolfgang Mozart

   • Mozart 41

9. Haydn’s final symphony crowns the London era

   May 4, 1795Labels: Symphony No, Joseph Haydn

   • Haydn 104
   • TSO Notes

10. Beethoven debuts his First Symphony in Vienna

    Apr 2, 1800Labels: Symphony No, Ludwig van

    • Beethoven Vienna

11. Beethoven’s Second Symphony enlarges energy and scale

    Apr 5, 1803Labels: Symphony No, Ludwig van

    • Beethoven 2

12. “Eroica” premieres and reshapes symphonic ambition

    Apr 7, 1805Labels: Symphony No, Ludwig van

    • Eroica
    • lvbeethoven

13. Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony premieres at landmark concert

    Dec 22, 1808Labels: Symphony No, Ludwig van

    • Beethoven 5
    • 1808 Concert