The Symphonies
Symphony No. 1 in C major, op. 21
Beethoven's First Symphony represents both the culmination of Classical traditions and the emergence of a more individual and expressive symphonic style that would come to characterise his later works. Composed between 1799 and 1800, the symphony marked Beethoven's formal entry into a genre shaped and dominated by his great predecessors, particularly Haydn and Mozart.
- Premiered
- April 2, 1800
- Where
- Burgtheater, Vienna
- Dedication
- Baron Gottfried van Swieten
- Reception
- Well-received
- Instrumentation
- 2 Flauti; 2 Oboi; 2 Clarinetti; 2 Fagotti; 2 Corni; 2 Trombe; Timpani; Archi
- Bars (total)
- 935
- On this site
- 187 recordings · average 25:59 · compare all timings →
Movements
- I. Adagio molto – Allegro con brio (C major)298 bars · 1 printed repeat
- II. Andante cantabile con moto (F major)196 bars · 1 printed repeat
- III. Menuetto: Allegro molto e vivace (C major)137 bars · 4 printed repeats
- IV. Finale: Adagio – Allegro molto e vivace (C major)304 bars · 1 printed repeat