Symphony No. 22 in E-flat major, The Philosopher
Joseph Haydn
Work background
Researched classical background
Two English horns, rather than oboes, give this early Haydn symphony a distinctive wind sound. It opens with a slow movement in which horns and English horns exchange phrases over steady strings. Three further movements follow, including a minuet and a fast finale. The later Philosopher nickname suggests an interpretation, but does not establish a philosophical programme by Haydn.
A listening guide
Compare the horn and English-horn phrases over the regular opening accompaniment.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Two English horns, two horns and strings
Composition: 1764
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 Philosopher; Il Filosofo
Date, title and version notes
Nickname is later; no specific philosophical narrative is asserted.
Haydn2032: Il Filosofo
1764 work, English horns and musical design | 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: Il Filosofo
1764 work, English horns and musical design | 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
Browse by year
1960-2025. Each year contains 150 selections.