Symphony in C minor
Joseph Martin Kraus
Work background
Researched classical background
Kraus recast an earlier symphony in C-sharp minor as this C-minor work, enlarging and revising its orchestral conception. A slow introduction opens a three-movement design, with an Andante between the two faster movements. The work is associated with his European travels and belongs to the dramatic minor-key strand of late eighteenth-century orchestral music.
A listening guide
Listen for the change from the slow introduction into the first Allegro.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Orchestra
Composition: Circa 1783
Swedish Musical Heritage associates the work with Vienna 1783 while noting a possible Paris 1786 dating.
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.
Date, title and version notes
The date and revision chronology are qualified in the specialist catalogue; VB142 identifies the intended C-minor symphony.
Swedish Musical Heritage: Kraus Sinfonie C minor
VB142 catalogue identity, date qualification and scoring | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Los Angeles Philharmonic: Kraus Symphony in C minor
Revision of C-sharp minor predecessor and musical form | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Swedish Musical Heritage: Kraus Sinfonie C minor
VB142 catalogue identity, date qualification and scoring | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Los Angeles Philharmonic: Kraus Symphony in C minor
Revision of C-sharp minor predecessor and musical form | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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