Haydn – Symphony No.48 in C major ‘Maria Theresa’ (1773)

This symphony is called ‘Maria Theresa’ as it was thought to have been composed for a visit by the Empress Maria Theresa in 1773 to Esterhazy, but it turns out that was Symphony 50, but the name has stuck. Helpful.

It is one of the few symphonies by Haydn to be popular in the 19^th Century. It’s scored for the usual forces (oboes, horns, bassoon and strings), and trumpets and timpani were added later but we’re not entirely sure these are by Haydn.