Symphony No. 48 in C major, Maria Theresia
Joseph Haydn
Work background
Researched classical background
Haydn's Forty-eighth Symphony is especially recognizable for its high horn writing and ceremonial C-major sound. Its four movements contrast that brilliance with more restrained slow music and a lively finale. The Maria Theresia nickname arose later. The score predates the imperial visit that was once used to explain the title, so the nickname cannot establish a commission for that occasion.
A listening guide
Listen for the horns' unusually high register in the opening movement.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Orchestra
Composition: Circa 1769
Approximately 1769; the symphony predates the 1773 imperial visit.
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: Maria Theresia; Maria Theresa
Date, title and version notes
Later nickname does not establish Maria Theresa as the work's intended subject.
Trumpet and timpani parts can depend on the edition or performance tradition.
Boston Symphony Orchestra: Haydn Maria Theresia
Circa 1769 composition, high horn writing and later misleading nickname | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Edition HH: Haydn Symphony No.48
Critical edition and chronology predating Maria Theresa visit | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Boston Symphony Orchestra: Haydn Maria Theresia
Circa 1769 composition, high horn writing and later misleading nickname | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Edition HH: Haydn Symphony No.48
Critical edition and chronology predating Maria Theresa visit | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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