What is the full name of Beethoven’s First Symphony?
Symphony No. 1 in C Major, Op. 21.
When was the First Symphony composed?
Beethoven composed the First Symphony around 1799-1800, at age 29.
When and where was the premiere?
It was in April 2, 1800, Burgtheater in Vienna.
When was the First Symphony published?
It was first published by Hoffmeister & Kühnel in 1801 Leipzig.
What is the orchestration of the First Symphony?
2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 2 horns, 2 trumpets, timpani, strings
What are the tempo markings of the movements?
- Adagio molto – Allegro con brio
- Andante cantabile con moto
- III. Menuetto
- Adagio – Allegro molto e vivace
To whom was the First Symphony dedicated?
Beethoven’s First Symphony was dedicated to Baron Gottfried Van Swieten, an early patron of the composer.
What is the style of this symphony?
The First Symphony is from Beethoven’s first period, his classical era. The composition builds heavily on the heritage of Haydn and Mozart yet carries the unmistakable Beethoven marks.
What was the reception of the First Symphony?
Despite being composed in the Viennese classical tradition response was positive emphasizing its originality. Most agreed that it is on pair with any Haydn or Mozart symphony, expecting Beethoven to transform the genre in the coming years.
For a detailed guide to Beethoven’s First Symphony, click here!
