Franz Joseph Haydn - Symphony no.48 in C major Hob.I:48 "Maria Theresia"

⁣Franz Joseph Haydn’s Symphony No. 48 in C major, Hob.I:48—nicknamed “Maria Theresia”—is a bold and ceremonial work, composed around 1768. Though long believed to have been written for Empress Maria Theresa’s visit to Eszterháza, this connection remains debated. Regardless, the symphony’s regal character and triumphant tone justify the association.
Structured in four movements, it showcases Haydn’s growing symphonic style, with striking harmonic surprises, energetic rhythms, and a majestic sense of form typical of his middle period. It remains a favorite among both scholars and performers for its clarity, grandeur, and brilliant orchestration.