Top 10 Symphonies Everyone Should Know

Emerging in the middle of the 18th century, the symphony has been one of classical music’s most vibrant forms for over 300 years. With that in mind, it’s never going to be an easy job to pick ten of the best. There’s easily more than 10 symphonies containing pieces of music that most people would be able to recognise, even if they’ve never heard the whole work. And there’s many more without memorable melodies that are no less brilliant. The BBC has provided its own list, along with a look at how the symphony has evolved.

This list includes some of those choices, with a few of our own favourites thrown in as well. What do you think? What other symphonies would you have liked to see included?

Mozart’s 41st

Mozart’s last symphony contains several stark contrasts and complexities, provoking a wide range of emotions. Some of the more outlandish speculation that Mozart knew this would be his last symphony are probably going too far, but it’s still a great work.

Sibelius’ 7th

The Finnish composer’s last symphony was composed in one movement, although it appears that earlier drafts planned it to be in three. It was praised at the time and since for Sibelius’ ability to make a composition in C major sound original, something which in his time was considered no longer possible. Here is the symphony conducted by Herbert von Karajan.

Beethoven’s 3rd

Beethoven originally planned to dedicate this work to Napoleon, but changed his mind upon hearing that the French leader had declared himself Emperor in 1804. As well as the grand opening, Beethoven’s 3rd symphony also contains the funeral march. Here is the symphony being played by the Berlin Philharmonic.

Shostakovich’s 7th

This work was written and performed during the siege of Leningrad by the Nazis in World War II. As a result it has often been referred to as the Leningrad symphony. The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic performs it here.

Dvorak’s 9th

Dvorak’s symphony from the new world is arguably one of the most easily recognisable pieces of classical music. Conducted by Karajan and played by the Vienna Philharmonic.

Bruckner’s 8th

The Bruckner’s last completed symphony is open to various interpretations due to the range of feelings it conveys. From its dark and unsettling opening, to more light moments, it explores a broad range of emotions. It is performed in this recording by the Munich Philharmonic in Tokyo.

Haydn’s 102nd

This symphony was written at a time of social and political upheaval in 1794-5and first performed in February 1795 in London. According to one account of the first performance, a chandelier fell from the roof as Haydn was entering the hall, but since the audience had pushed forward to catch a glimpse of the composer, it only damaged empty seats. The symphony therefore earned the description as the miracle, and Haydn reportedly expressed relief that he had helped to save audience members’ lives. Here is the symphony in B flat major.

Tchaikovsky’s 5th

Tchaikovsky considered his 5th symphony in E minor to have been a flawed work, but it has since become one of his favoured symphonic compositions along with his 4th and 6th. Here, conducted by Leonard Bernstein, the Boston Symphony Orchestra performs it in E minor.

Mahler’s 9th

Reports of the first performance of this work in Vienna in 1912 suggest that the transition to the modern style of music by Mahler was not universally welcomed. But the 9th symphony has come to be seen as one of the composer’s best. It is played here by the Lucerne Festival Orchestra conducted by Claudio Abbado.


Schubert’s 9th

If its grandeur you’re looking for in a symphony, Schubert’s 9th is it. Here is the Vienna Philharmonic performing the symphony in C major.