Symphony No. 43 in E-flat major, Mercury
Joseph Haydn
Work background
Researched classical background
The opening of Haydn's Forty-third balances a gently moving violin melody against firmer orchestral responses. Muted strings colour the Adagio, while pauses and interruptions complicate the finale's apparent ease. Mercury was attached to the work in the nineteenth century; neither a portrait of the Roman god nor a specific theatrical plot is securely established by that title.
A listening guide
Listen for the finale's pauses and the muted string sound in the Adagio.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Orchestra
Composition: Circa 1770-1771
Approximate 1770-71 date follows Haydn2032; work existed before 1772.
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: Mercury; Merkur
Date, title and version notes
Later nickname has no established composer-supplied meaning.
International Joseph Haydn Foundation: Symphony No.43
Musical analysis and late nickname | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Haydn2032: Symphony Index
Catalogue identifiers, date estimates, movement headings and scoring; dates treated as estimates when marked uncertain | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
International Joseph Haydn Foundation: Symphony No.43
Musical analysis and late nickname | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Haydn2032: Symphony Index
Catalogue identifiers, date estimates, movement headings and scoring; dates treated as estimates when marked uncertain | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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