Symphony No. 44 in E minor, Trauer
Joseph Haydn
Work background
Researched classical background
Haydn places the minuet second in this four-movement symphony, before the Adagio. The minuet is built as a canon, with different instrumental lines entering in imitation. The outer movements emphasize concentrated minor-key writing, while the slow movement provides a contrasting major-key space. Trauer, meaning mourning, is a later title and should not imply a specific funeral commission.
A listening guide
Follow the imitative entries in the minuet, then the contrast of the Adagio.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Orchestra
Composition: Circa 1770-1771
Specialist catalogue dates the work approximately to 1770-71, certainly 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: Mourning Symphony; Trauer Symphony
Date, title and version notes
Exact composition year uncertain; nickname is not evidence of a funeral commission.
Haydn2032: Trauer
Minor-key design, canon and date qualification | 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
Haydn2032: Trauer
Minor-key design, canon and date qualification | 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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