Symphony No. 1 in C major
Ludwig van Beethoven
Work background
Researched classical background
Beethoven's first published symphony opens with chords that briefly point away from C major before the home key is established. Its four movements retain the outline inherited from Haydn and Mozart, but wind instruments take unusually active roles. The third movement carries the name Minuet even though its speed and drive approach the character of a scherzo.
A listening guide
Hear how the introduction delays C major and how quickly the nominal minuet moves.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Orchestra
Composition: 1800
Completed and first performed in 1800.
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.
Eastman School of Music: Beethoven First Symphony
Composition, first performance and musical analysis | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Eastman School of Music: Beethoven First Symphony
Composition, first performance and musical analysis | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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