Symphony No. 101 in D major, "Clock"
Joseph Haydn
Work background
Researched classical background
Haydn's Clock Symphony takes its nickname from the ticking accompaniment in the slow movement. That steady pattern supports a sequence of changing textures and moods, including moments when the expected regularity is interrupted. The other movements place the familiar joke inside a substantial late symphony, with a slow introduction, a minuet, and a finale that develops its materials with increasing activity.
A listening guide
Listen for the ticking accompaniment and notice how Haydn changes the music while keeping or interrupting that pulse.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Orchestra
Composition: 1793-1794
The program note dates composition to these years; the nickname concerns the second movement's accompaniment.
This entry describes the musical work or cycle. Composition, premiere and publication dates describe different events. Performers and recordings can be explored through the external listening search.
Also known as: The Clock Symphony
25-26 Classics 4 - Program Notes: Mozart and Haydn - Reading Symphony Orchestra
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
25-26 Classics 4 - Program Notes: Mozart and Haydn - Reading Symphony Orchestra
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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