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Rediscover Raff for his 200th Birthday

Susan Thomas — Tue, 22 Mar 2022 03:23:59 +0000

Imagine this. Someone asks you to name a famous German composer. You might answer with any number of names including Beethoven, Bach, Brahms, Schumann, Mendelssohn, or Handel. Similarly, if someone asks you to name an Austrian composer, you could go with Haydn, Mozart, Schubert, or Strauss. But, what if someone asks you for a Swiss composer? Hmm…

Well, here’s your answer. Joachim Raff (pronounced /rof/ rhyming with “cough”). Born in Lachen, Switzerland 200 years ago (1822), Raff was prolific and well-known in his time with numerous famous names in his circle of friends, students, and colleagues. However, despite all of this, his works are relatively unknown and not often performed today.

His prolific career is somewhat surprising given his musical background. Unlike some composers who are groomed at a young age with serious musical instruction, Raff was largely self-taught while working as a schoolmaster. He sent some piano compositions to Felix Mendelssohn who recommended them for publication. After these compositions were published in 1844 and receiving good reviews from Robert Schumann’s journal, he went to Zurich to take up composition full-time.

In 1845 after hearing Liszt play the piano, Raff became Liszt’s assistant, helping with orchestration of several works. During this period, Raff wrote an opera, König Alfred, however most of his works were written later in the 1860’s and 1870’s.

Aside from opera, Raff wrote numerous suites, lieder, works for small ensembles like quartets, overtures, concertos, and a series of orchestral preludes to Shakespearean plays. He also wrote 11 symphonies, but the 11th remained unfinished at his death. His 7th symphony is often considered a more toned-down version of Richard Strauss’ An Alpine Symphony and it may have served as Strauss’ inspiration (the two were friends). His 5th symphony (Lenore) is considered by many to be his best.

In 1878, Raff became the first director of and a teacher at the Hoch Conservatory in Frankfurt where he most notably established a class specifically for female composers. Women composers at the time were still not taken very seriously. He employed Clara Schumann as a teacher at the conservatory.

Raff died in 1882 and is buried in Frankfurt. He was 60 years old.

Raff may never be a famous name in classical music, but his works are solid examples of Romantic period music and are worth rediscovering – especially with this year being his 200th birthday. Listen to some of his works below:

Symphony No. 5: Lenore

Konig Alfred Overture

Cello Concerto No 1

Evening Rhapsody (an arrangement of Abends from the Piano Suite No 5)

Prelude to Shakespeare’s Othello

The post Rediscover Raff for his 200th Birthday first appeared on Parker Symphony Orchestra.

Beethoven FAQs

Susan Thomas — Fri, 16 Aug 2019 18:54:26 +0000

Who would win the award for “best classical composer” is debatable, but there’s no denying that Ludwig van Beethoven would win the “most famous” award (along with Mozart). His name is recognized worldwide among classical music enthusiasts and those who don’t know a thing about the genre. And those who know a little something about the man know that 2020 was a big year – it was the Beethoven anniversary! 2020 marked the 250th anniversary of his birth and because of that, many orchestras planned to perform his works that year. Unfrotunately, due to the pandemic, many of those performances were canceled or postponed. The Parker Symphony Orchestra was among the groups planning to perform his works during 2020. We will now be performing Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 on March 18, 2022..

Whether you need a conversation starter or simply want to more about this renowned composer, check out these Beethoven FAQs and answers below.

When was Beethoven born and when did he die?

Beethoven was born in Bonn, Germany in 1770. He was baptized December 17, 1770. He died in Vienna, Austria on March 26, 1827. He is buried at the Zentralfriedhof (Central Cemetery) in Vienna.

Was Beethoven German or Austrian?

Beethoven was born in Germany and is considered a German composer even though he moved to Austria in his 20’s. Interestingly, his grandfather was of Flemish origin – hence the “van” in his family name as opposed to the German “von”.

What are Beethoven’s symphonies?

Symphony No. 1 (Op. 21) written 1799-1800
Symphony No. 2 (Op. 36) written 1801-1802
Symphony No. 3 “Eroica” (Op. 55) written 1803
Symphony No. 4 (Op. 60) written 1806
Symphony No. 5 (Op. 67) written 1807-1808
Symphony No. 6 “Pastoral” (Op. 68) written 1808
Symphony No. 7 (Op. 92) written 1811-1812
Symphony No. 8 (Op. 93) written 1812
Symphony No. 9 “Choral” (Op. 125) written 1822-1824

Why are Beethoven’s symphonies important?

Beethoven’s music, especially his symphonies, changed the music world forever. They shook up the conventional structure, harmonies, and forms of the “classical” era and opened everything up to a world of endless possibilities. Beethoven’s symphonies are big – his 9th symphony was the biggest ever composed at the time. They are bold and revolutionary – his 3rd symphony opens with a crash-crash to let you know he means business and the work was originally dedicated to Napoleon. They are also romantic – his 6th symphony was directly inspired by his walks and features the sounds of babbling brooks and birds.

Are there any unfinished Beethoven works?

Through Beethoven’s letters, we know that the composer was working on a 10th symphony. A music professor at the University of Manchester in England assembled fragments into a so-called Tenth Symphony, but no one knows for sure if all of the fragments were intended for the same piece. In 2012, two reconstructed Beethoven works were given world premiers – a sketch of a piano sonata and a fragment of a hymn. Many scholars, however, think that it is a disservice to Beethoven to reconstruct his unfinished works.

Which Beethoven symphony has five movements?

Beethoven’s 6th symphony has five movements, rather than the four typical of the era. Beethoven wrote a programmatic title at the beginning of each movement to describe what the audience would hear:

First movement: Awakening of cheerful feelings on arrival in the countryside
Second movement: Scene by the brook
Third movement: Merry gathering of country folk
Fourth movement: Thunder, Storm
Fifth movement: Shepherd’s song. Cheerful and thankful feelings after the storm

Which Beethoven symphony is in A Clockwork Orange?

That would be Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9. The music was chosen for the movie because in the book, Alex carries on about “Ludwig van” and how the music gets him ready for “a malenky bit of the old ultraviolence”.

Other Beethoven symphonies in movies include:

The King’s Speech – Symphony No. 7
Fantasia 2000 – Symphony No. 5
Immortal Beloved – Symphony Nos. 3, 5, 6, 7, 9
Dead Poet’s Society – Symphony No. 9
Fantasia – Symphony No. 6

Who taught Beethoven?

His first teacher was his father. After that, his music instructors included Franz Ries (for violin), Christian Gottlob Neefe (he most notably taught organ and composition), Franz Joseph Haydn, and Antonio Salieri (who taught him singing for the opera).

Who was Elise in Beethoven’s life?

This is the most often asked question about Beethoven’s Bagatelle No. 25 in A minor, otherwise known as “Für Elise”. Interestingly, Beethoven did include a dedication on the original manuscript, but it was “Für Therese”. It is widely agreed upon that Therese is Therese Malfatti, a woman to whom Beethoven proposed and the owner of the manuscript. The dedication on the published work is where the change occurred. Researchers suggest Elise could have been a German soprano named Elisabeth Röckel who performed in Beethoven’s opera Fidelio. There is another theory that Elise could have been a friend of Beethoven’s named Elise Barensfeld who was a student of Therese Malfatti and he was doing Therese a favor by writing Elise an easy bagatelle.

What’s the deal with Beethoven and coffee?

Beethoven developed obssessive tendencies thanks to severe punishments and disciplinary actions by his father. One tendency was his religious consumption of coffee – and not just coffee, but a cup that was so strong it would melt teeth. He would count exactly 60 coffee beans and prepare them in his glass coffee-maker. Coffee enthusiasts may note that this is 10 beans less than the average cup of coffee today. However, since Beethoven wasn’t doing anything other than grinding them and pouring boiling water over the top, his coffee had far more caffeine than today’s processed java. Learn more about coffee’s connections with classical music.

Why did Beethoven never marry?

It’s not known why Beethoven didn’t marry, but the fact remains that he did not. That’s not to say, however, that he wasn’t romantic. As mentioned before, he asked the German opera singer Elisabeth Röckel to marry him. He left behind love letters to an unknown lady who has become known as the Immortal Beloved. Some speculate that the letters were to Antonie Brentano, a noblewoman who was married. There is even a claim that her final child, Karl Josef, may be Beethoven’s and not her husband’s.

How did Beethoven become deaf?

Beethoven began to lose his hearing around 1801. It started off as a form of tinnitus and became worse over time. The cause is unknown but has been attributed to syphilis, lead poisoning, or typhus. In 2005, tests on Beethoven’s hair in 2005 contained high lead levels, but since then, the results and conclusion have been questioned. Regardless of the cause, because of his hearing loss, we have a unique historical record that gives us insight into his thoughts. Beethoven kept conversation books discussing music and other issues that reveals how he felt his music should be performed.

Who did Beethoven influence?

Numerous people. In the classical music world, notable people he influenced include Brahms and Mahler. Beethoven’s symphonies remolded the understanding of what a symphony is and what is symphonic form. Brahms and Mahler sought to continue that exploration and experiment with new styles and harmonies that challenged convention. Other composers influenced by Beethoven include Schumann who was a deep studier of Beethoven and Schubert. In fact, Schubert once said that he doubted “anyone can do anything after Beethoven”.

The post Beethoven FAQs first appeared on Parker Symphony Orchestra.

6 Interesting Facts About Mozart’s Symphony No. 25

Susan Thomas — Mon, 11 Mar 2019 05:25:53 +0000

Mozart wrote 41 symphonies (according to original numbering) and some are arguably better than others. Number 41, nicknamed the “Jupiter Symphony”, is rated by many critics as among the greatest in classical music. Number 40 is another of his most famous works. But there’s something about Symphony No. 25 that is truly gripping, that helps it stand out from the rest, and that made it the perfect opening music for the film Amadeus.

Perhaps it’s the minor key or the dramatic style. Regardless of the reason, there’s definitely more to this work than its unassuming name. Here are 6 interesting facts about Mozart’s Symphony No. 25.

It has been called the “little G minor symphony”.

Symphony No. 25 is one of only two symphonies Mozart composed in G minor. The other was Symphony No. 40 (written 15 years later). While it might not sound like anything of note today, composing in G minor was unusual at the time. It is considered the key thorugh which Mozart best expressed sadness. Thus, the symphony is often called his first “tragic” symphony. Though Mozart used other minor keys in his symphonies, G minor is the only minor key he used as a main key for his numbered symphonies.

It was written when Mozart was 17 years old.

Although the story is unsubstantiated, it was supposedly completed just 2 days after he completed his Symphony No. 24. Many critics regard this as one the moments when Mozart transformed from entertainer to artist – from wunderkind to great composer.

It was written in a Sturm und Drang style.

Sturm und Drang (Storm and Stress) is a style characterized by emotional extremes and sudden changes in tempo and dynamics. The opening movement begins with a particularly dramatic repeated syncopated pattern in the violins and violas. This rhythm returns again in the final movement. Haydn’s Symphony No. 39 (also in G minor) is another example of the Sturm und Drang style and may have served as an inspiration for Mozart’s Symphony No. 25.

The occasion it was written for is unknown.

Lost to history is what occasion the symphony was written for. Nothing in his life at the time justifies the minor keys. Perhaps after a recent tour of Europe, he longed to explore the previously mentioned Sturm und Drang style popularized by Haydn which began as a German literary movement to break free from the ultra-rational and ultra-objective ideals of the Enlightenment. Again, there’s nothing that directly points to that intent.

It used to be relatively unknown.

The “little” in its nickname was in deference to what was considered the more sublime of his minor symphonies (no. 40). While history suggests that the work may have been popular in Mozart’s time (it was performed several times and Mozart even rescored the work for different instruments), by the 19th century, Symphony No. 25 was little known and rarely performed. It wasn’t performed in the United States until 1899 and after that, it wasn’t performed again until 1937. What changed all that? Amadeus.

It may have inspired Beethoven’s 5th Symphony.

Ludwig van Beethoven knew the symphony well, copying 29 bars from the score in one of his sketchbooks. It is thought that the opening theme of the Symphony No. 25’s final movement may have inspired the third movement of Beethoven’s 5th Symphony.

The Parker Symphony Orchestra will perform the first movement from Mozart’s Symphony No. 25 as part of Blockbusters at the PACE Center in Parker, Colorado on May 3 at 7:30 PM.

The post 6 Interesting Facts About Mozart’s Symphony No. 25 first appeared on Parker Symphony Orchestra.

What Is A Pops Orchestra?

Susan Thomas — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 18:27:39 +0000

If you’ve attended orchestral performances or listened to classical music for any length of time, you’ve probably seen the terms “philharmonic”, “symphony”, and “chamber” in the names of various organizations. “Pops” is another common term (as in the Boston Pops or the Denver Pops Orchestra). The first three are used to denote different sized groups. A chamber orchestra is the smallest while “symphony” and “philharmonic” typically refer to groups large enough to play the great symphonies. “Philharmonic” is also a proper name used to distinguish orchestras in the same city.

“Pops” is another story. It refers to the type of music played by the group.

What is a pops orchestra?

Simply put, it is an orchestra that plays popular music as well as well-known classical works. They are groups that perform lighter classics, American favorites, popular music, show tunes, and film music. Many feel they are an alternative to the “highbrow” orchestras since they aren’t afraid to let their hair down a little. Of course, we here at the Parker Symphony aren’t afraid to let our hair down at times even though we don’t have the “pops” moniker.

Examples of pops orchestras

Examples include the Boston Pops Orchestra and the Denver Pops Orchestra (as mentioned before) as well as the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, the American Pops Orchestra, and the Cleveland Pops Orchestra. These groups tend to have friendly relationships with the traditional professional orchestra in their city, often sharing members (although typically not the first chair players).

What music does a pops orchestra perform?

On the classical side, you may hear Strauss waltzes and polkas, overtures from composers like Rossini, Mozart, and von Suppé, and a movement or two from a famous Beethoven or Mozart symphony. On the popular side, you might hear the music of an iconic band like The Beatles, the music from a hit Broadway show like Hamilton, and movie themes from composers like John Williams, James Horner, Hans Zimmer, and Thomas Newman.

Pops Orchestras vs. Pops Concerts

Interestingly, critics of pops orchestras suggest that the fact that they are separate organizations has removed some of these more famous classics from traditional symphony orchestras’ repertoire which has hurt attendance. They tend to “remove some music whose principal reason for existence is pure entertainment”.

To answer this, traditional orchestras have been putting on more programs in the style of pops orchestras. Philharmonic orchestras and symphony orchestras have always occasionally played a pops concert here or there, but more recently, these organizations have found success in themed concerts and even playing a film score alongside the movie.

Even we here at the Parker Symphony perform pops concerts to help draw in new and different audiences. For example, our 2016 “PSO Goes To The Movies” concert included single movements from symphonies and short classics featured in films.

The Future Of Pops

Pops orchestras and concerts will probably always have a place. After all, to quote the New York Philharmonic’s vice president of artistic planning, “Not every subscription concert, week in and week out, should be so deadly serious.” Whether pops plays more or less of a role in the future is hard to say. For now, those who want to hear serious performances, there are always programs available featuring masterful concertos, full symphonies, and choral works. For those who are looking for lighter entertainment, check out the various pops orchestras and concerts in your area.

The post What Is A Pops Orchestra? first appeared on Parker Symphony Orchestra.

Classical Music Crossword Puzzle

Susan Thomas — Thu, 03 Aug 2017 20:08:21 +0000

Challenge yourself (or pass the time) with our classical music crossword puzzle.

Across
2. J.S. ____
4. Richard or Johann
6. French for “study”
9. Yo-Yo Ma’s instrument
11. Percussion with keys arranged like a piano
15. 18th century ballroom dance in 3
16. Itzhak _______
17. Pizzicato abbreviation
18. “The Planets” composer
21. Liszt’s nationality
23. Lowest string instrument
26. Many woodwinds need 1 or 2
27. “The Trout ____” – Schubert
30. Loud
31. City where Mozart is buried
32. Device that supports strings
33. Moderately slow tempo
34. All together

Down
1. Beethoven’s 6th Symphony Nickname
3. Composer of 106 symphonies
5. Flared part of many brass instruments
7. Toccata & _____
8. Mozart’s and Verdi’s are famous
9. Dvorak’s nationality
10. Opening to opera, ballet, etc.
12. Appalachian Spring composer
13. Chopin composed primarily for the…
14. A conductor’s stick
19. Musical era from 1600-1750
20. Also called Kettle Drums
22. Composition inspired by night
24. A lullaby often in 6/8 time
25. Famous Italian violin maker
28. Brass instrument with a slide
29. In The Hall Of The Mountain ____

Printing Instructions

Right click on the image and choose Save. Save to your computer.
Open in any image program
Change your print settings to print “Landscape”
Print

Right click on the image and choose Copy (or Copy Image)
Open Microsoft Word and a new blank document
Change the Layout to Landscape
Click on the document and hit CTRL and V at the same time

The post Classical Music Crossword Puzzle first appeared on Parker Symphony Orchestra.

10 Reasons To Join An Orchestra

Susan Thomas — Wed, 05 Jul 2017 19:11:31 +0000

Do any small amount of searching in Google for phrases like “why join an orchestra” and you’ll start to notice that most articles cover reasons to play with a school music group. But what about reasons to join your local community orchestra?

Many groups are on the lookout for new members, so there’s no shortage of opportunity out there. However, there is also no shortage of reasons why you, as an adult, should audition for a local group like the Parker Symphony.

Here are just 10 of the many compelling reasons to join a local symphony orchestra.

Meet New People: Whether you’re new to an area or a longtime resident, you’re bound to meet new people when you join your community orchestra and the best part is that these people share a common interest – a love for playing music. Some may be music professionals like performers and educators. Others may be amateurs with non-music day jobs. But all come together to practice and perform the thing that they love. You’ll not only be able to socialize with others who can relate to your love of classical music, but you may form new friendships and find new contacts who can help you in other areas of your life (career, for example).

Build Up Confidence: If you haven’t been an active performer in a while, but still have the dedication and talent, playing in an orchestra can help give you that confidence to perform again – especially if you play in a section with others. Maybe you can still play the pieces you know well, but your sight-reading skills are a little rusty. Or perhaps you are used to playing as a soloist so you aren’t sure of your ability to follow a conductor or listen and adjust to other players. No matter the reason, a community orchestra offers a venue for you to re-establish yourself as a group performer.

Express Yourself!: This almost goes without saying. Music in any genre is a form of self-expression. Community orchestras are an excellent creative outlet for adults.

Escape the Day-to-Day: Life is full of daily stresses. Work, family, bills, and other responsibilities can take their toll. Playing in an orchestra, on the other hand, requires a great deal of focus. For that reason, rehearsals and concerts can be a great way to divert your attention away from day-to-day troubles, stress, and to-do lists.

Challenge Yourself!: Just because members of community orchestras aren’t paid doesn’t mean they play easy pieces. Sure, we’ve all played our fair share of parts that require little to no practice, but for each of those, there are many Beethoven pieces or John Williams scores that we spend hours on. And don’t forget about the occasional solo you may encounter.

Maintain (or increase) Coordination: As we age, our motor skills tend to decline. Playing an instrument can help maintain or even increase coordination including fine motor skills.

Inspire Others: Symphony orchestra concerts are a source of inspiration for the surrounding community. Audiences range from children to seniors and from young to young-at-heart. Students who attend may be inspired to pick up an instrument and join their school band or orchestra. Other adults may decide to audition for your group or listen to more classical music. Some orchestras also put on special programs like free children’s concerts specifically designed to educate and inspire.

Improve Your Résumé: Are you looking to advance your career? Are you early in your career path and looking to beef up your résumé? Listing that you perform with a community orchestra can not only catch employers’ eyes, but also gives you something to point to when asked about teamwork, dedication, working well with others, and self-improvement.

Keep Your Mind Active: In addition to helping with coordination, playing music with an orchestra can help keep your mind active. Not only are you perhaps learning new things, you are literally giving your brain a workout. Performing with an orchestra is an intellectually demanding exercise and the proof of that is how mentally exhausted, but satisfied you feel after a good rehearsal.

Have Fun!: Last, but definitely not least, joining a community orchestra is a great way to have fun. Unlike professional groups that are highly competitive (for a good reason), local community symphonies are often made up of people who simply want to have fun doing something they love.

Are you looking for a fun community orchestra to join in the Denver metro area? Check out the Parker Symphony. We hold typically hold auditions in August and ad hoc throughout the rest of the year. See our Auditions page for more information.

The post 10 Reasons To Join An Orchestra first appeared on Parker Symphony Orchestra.

What is Ballot Issue 4B? What is SCFD?

Susan Thomas — Mon, 10 Oct 2016 17:25:45 +0000

If you’re like me and you read about 4B in the Analysis of the 2016 Ballot Proposals booklet, you’re now totally confused about what it is and what SCFD does. You may have seen the Yes on 4B yard signs – the ones with the polar bear. You may even have seen Popsicle the SCFD polar bear mascot walking around town.

But all of that doesn’t mean much if you can’t translate the legal jargon from the booklet. So here’s a quick rundown of what SCFD and Colorado 4B really are and why they are so critical this election. In other words, why you should absolutely vote YES on 4B.

What is SCFD?

SCFD stands for Scientific & Cultural Facilities District. It is funded by a sales tax of one cent on every $10. It is currently in its 28th year.

Where does the money go?

SCFD supports museums like the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and the Children’s Museum, the Denver Zoo, orchestras like the Parker Symphony Orchestra, the Colorado Ballet, and other educational, scientific, and visual and performing arts programs throughout Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson counties. If you’ve been to any of these, you’ve benefited from SCFD. Attended an orchestra concert or an opera performance? That was funded at least in part by SCFD. Took the family to a Free Day at Four Mile Historic Park or the Denver Art Museum? That was made possible by SCFD. And all for only 1 penny of every $10 you spend!

What is 4B?

The sales tax of 1 cent on every $10 to fund SCFD is set to expire in 2018. A vote of YES on ballot issue 4B will reauthorize the funds until 2030 and residents of the 7 counties can continue to experience amazing programs and events for years to come – sometimes for free. A vote of Yes will be a vote to continue to bring culture to all.

Why is Yes on SCFD so important?

SCFD helps organizations in the Denver metro area continue to provide educational and cultural programs to everyone. From Free Days to field trips to special events and exhibits, organizations large and small, SCFD brings culture to all.

It has helped the Parker Symphony purchase instruments, rent and purchase sheet music for concerts like our Music of John Williams performance, and bring in special soloists and performers.

SCFD also generates $1.8 billion annually in economic activity and $520 million in tourism and creates 10,731 jobs. It has served 4.5 million students and 14 million guests.

It has elevated the Denver metro area to a world‐class cultural center with 95% growth in attendance since the district began.

Please vote YES on 4B on November 8 and help us keep the music playing! Learn more at Yes on SCFD.

The post What is Ballot Issue 4B? What is SCFD? first appeared on Parker Symphony Orchestra.

What Is A Symphony?

Susan Thomas — Wed, 18 May 2016 17:39:55 +0000

Even if you’re not a classical music fan, you’ve probably heard a symphony or two. You may not know the names or composers, but symphonies have been featured in everything from commercials to cartoons and they are a staple in classical music.

The Symphony Defined

There are two ways to define symphony. One definition refers to a symphony orchestra, a group of musicians who perform symphonies among other works. If a friend says, “I went to the symphony last night,” they mean they went to hear an orchestra.

A symphony is also a musical work, and a great one at that. It has multiple parts called movements separated by a brief pause. The audience does not applaud between movements. One basic format is a brisk and lively first movement followed by a slow and lyrical second movement, a dancing third movement, and a virtuosic finale. There are many variations on this, however. The form has been around for more than 300 years, but it has evolved greatly over the centuries. While symphonies in the 1700’s held to a more standardized format, those of the 1800’s and beyond began to include non-traditional elements like soloists and choruses. They can also vary in the number movements. Many symphonies have 4 movements. Some have 3.

The Symphony Today

What does all of this mean for you, the listener? It means that symphonies offer something for everyone. They have a variety of tempos and styles that naturally keep you engaged. In just one piece, you can be whipped into a frenzy by a robust motif, whisked away by a lyrical melody, and inspired and amazed by a grand theme. Symphonies are actually a journey. Like a book with chapters or a play with acts, the symphony takes you through very different parts that all combine to create a satisfying whole.

Symphonies are also incredibly listenable. They offer a way to escape the everyday. They evoke images and inspire emotions. They reveal the depths of the composers’ musical thinking without telling you what to think. They give you the freedom the feel and think whatever you want based on what you are hearing.

Examples Of Great Symphonies

Since the 18th century, many composers, certainly most of the famous names, have written at least one symphony. Beethoven, Schubert, and Dvorak wrote 9. Haydn wrote no fewer than 107. Below is a list of some well-known and beloved works.

Dvořák – Symphony No. 9 (‘From The New World’)

Beethoven – Symphony No. 5

Mozart – Symphony No. 25

Mendelssohn – Symphony No. 4 (‘Italian’)

Brahms – Symphony No. 4

Beethoven – Symphony No. 9 (‘Choral’)

Franck – Symphony in D Minor

Saint Saëns – Symphony No. 3 (‘Organ’)

Haydn – Symphony No. 94 (‘Surprise’)

Schubert – Symphony No. 8 (‘Unfinished’)

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