[Haydn] Pick up famous and representative pieces!
One of the great composers of the Classical period, Franz Joseph Haydn.
He is known as the “Father of the Symphony” and the “Father of the String Quartet” for composing many symphonies and string quartets, but he also wrote numerous concertos and piano sonatas, exerting a tremendous influence on the world of classical music.
In this article, we’ll highlight some of Haydn’s masterpieces and signature works!
One of the pieces is used for today’s German national anthem, so be sure to check it out.
Enjoy the music of Haydn.
- [Haydn] Pick up famous and representative pieces!
- Handel’s Masterpieces | A Comprehensive Introduction to His Popular Works
- Masterpieces by Franz Schubert: Sparkling classical works left by the King of Song. Recommended classical music.
- Mozart: An Introduction to His Signature and Popular Works
- George Frideric Handel Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- Mendelssohn’s Masterpieces | Popular Classical Music
- [Baroque Music] A Curated Selection of Timeless Masterpieces and Famous Works
- Popular classical piano pieces. A collection of masterful performances by Japanese pianists.
- Oskar Merikanto Popular Song Rankings [2026]
- Pick up Beethoven’s famous and representative works!
- [Recommended] Carefully selected masterpieces by Bruckner, the great master of symphonies and sacred music
- Classical Masterpieces: Recommended Works You Should Hear at Least Once
- [Classical Music] A carefully curated selection of masterpieces born in the pivotal era that bridged the Baroque and Romantic periods
[Haydn] Picking Up Masterpieces and Signature Works! (81–90)
String Quartet No. 78 in B-flat major, Op. 76 No. 4 “Sunrise”Franz Joseph Haydn
String Quartet No.
78 in B-flat major, Op.
76 No.
4 “Sunrise” — I.
Allegro con spirito; II.
Adagio; III.
Menuetto, Allegro; IV.
Allegro ma non troppo.
The subtitle comes from the opening of the first movement, which evokes the rising sun.
Symphony No. 85 in B-flat major “The Queen”Franz Joseph Haydn
Composed around 1785, it is the fourth of the six Paris Symphonies.
It is known by the French nickname “La Reine” (The Queen).
The origin of the name is uncertain, but it is said that Queen Marie Antoinette of France was particularly fond of it.
Symphony No. 93 in D majorFranz Joseph Haydn
It is one of the London Symphonies.
The premiere took place in London on February 17, 1792.
A newspaper at the time reported that “Haydn led the performance while playing the harpsichord.” However, despite the fact that a harpsichord was no longer necessary for the performance, it is thought that the instrument was used at the premiere to introduce the famous composer Haydn to the London audience.
Symphony No. 94 in G major “Surprise”Franz Joseph Haydn
It is one of the London symphonies and is well known by the nickname “Surprise.” It ranks among the most famous of Haydn’s works, with the second movement being especially well known.
According to anecdote, it was written to wake up the ladies who were dozing in the concert hall.
Symphony No. 96 in D major “The Miracle”Franz Joseph Haydn
The nickname “Miracle” is not related to the piece itself; it is said to have arisen because, at the premiere, a chandelier fell from the ceiling and yet no one was injured.
However, recent research has revealed that this incident apparently occurred not at Symphony No.
96, but rather at No.
102.
Symphony No. 3 in G majorFranz Joseph Haydn
Symphony No.
3 in G major: I.
Allegro; II.
Andante moderato; III.
Minuet & Trio; IV.
Finale, alla breve, composed in 1761.
Performed by the Downtown Sinfonietta, conducted by Vincent Lionti.
[Haydn] Pick up famous and representative works! (91–100)
Piano Sonata No. 32 in B minor, Hob. XVI:32Franz Joseph Haydn
Known as the father of the symphony and the string quartet, Franz Joseph Haydn’s music is always filled with inquiry and surprise.
The Piano Sonata No.
32 in B minor, Hob.
XVI:32 is a valuable work that illustrates the development of Haydn’s piano music.
Its striking, obsessive theme drives the musical action, where stark severity and brightness intersect.
It’s a highly recommended piece for anyone who wants to savor the delights of classical music or who is interested in the history of piano music.