Symphony No. 100 in G major, Military
Joseph Haydn
Work background
Researched classical background
Haydn's Military Symphony adds bass drum, cymbals and triangle to the orchestral sound familiar from his London concerts. Their conspicuous entry transforms the second movement, whose melody had an earlier life in a concerto for a mechanical instrument. The percussion returns in the finale. This theatrical use of instrumental colour is central to the work's enduring nickname.
A listening guide
Hear how the second movement changes when the percussion enters.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Orchestra with timpani, bass drum, cymbals and triangle
Composition: 1793-1794
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: Military Symphony
Los Angeles Philharmonic: Haydn Military Symphony
London history and percussion | 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 Military Symphony
London history and percussion | 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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