Symphony No. 82 in C major, The Bear
Joseph Haydn
Work background
Researched classical background
The Bear belongs to the six symphonies Haydn wrote for Parisian concerts in the mid-1780s. Its large-scale public gestures suit the orchestra available there. The nickname comes from the finale's droning accompaniment and dance character, which later listeners associated with a performing bear; it does not identify an animal narrative supplied by Haydn.
A listening guide
Listen for the repeated drone beneath the finale's tune.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Orchestra
Composition: 1786
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 Bear; L'Ours
Date, title and version notes
The Bear is a later nickname, not a documented composer programme.
Los Angeles Philharmonic: Haydn The Bear
Paris commission and finale 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
Los Angeles Philharmonic: Haydn The Bear
Paris commission and finale 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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