Franz Joseph Haydn Popular Song Rankings [2026]

Symphony No. 94 in G major “Surprise”Franz Joseph Haydn64rank/position

Joseph Haydn: Symphony No. 94 in G major "Surprise"

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. 95 in C minorFranz Joseph Haydn65rank/position

J. Haydn – Hob I:95 – Symphony No. 95 in C minor (Brüggen)

It is the only minor-key work among the London Symphonies, and notably the only one whose opening movement begins without a slow introduction.

Details such as a solo cello section in the trio of the minuet movement showcase Haydn’s inventiveness throughout the piece.

Symphony No. 96 in D major “The Miracle”Franz Joseph Haydn66rank/position

Haydn: Symphony nº 96 “Miracle” – Ton Koopman – Sinfónica de Galicia

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. 97 in C majorFranz Joseph Haydn67rank/position

HAYDN Symphony 97 / Andris Nelsons with the TMCO

This is a four-movement symphony composed by Haydn for his first visit to London, and it is the fifth work among his late “London Symphonies.” Overall, it stands out for its inventive harmonic progressions and modulations, as well as the skillful, well-balanced structuring of the music.

Symphony No. 98 in B-flat majorFranz Joseph Haydn68rank/position

J. Haydn – Hob I:98 – Symphony No. 98 in B flat major (Brüggen)

This is one of the London Symphonies composed for Haydn’s first trip to London in 1792.

Known for skillfully incorporating folk and popular tunes into his works, Haydn is said to have delighted London audiences by using the British national anthem, “God Save the King,” at the beginning of the second movement of this symphony.

It is also said that, beyond this gesture, the passage reflects his grief over the death of his close friend Mozart in February 1791, the previous year.

Symphony No. 99 in E-flat majorFranz Joseph Haydn69rank/position

J. Haydn – Hob I:99 – Symphony No. 99 in E flat major (Brüggen)

Composed in 1793 and one of the London Symphonies, this is Haydn’s first symphony to incorporate the clarinet.

The first set of London Symphonies all used a two-wind scoring without clarinets, but among the six symphonies numbered 99 to 104—the second set of London Symphonies—five (all except No.

102) are scored for two winds including clarinets.

The Seven Last Words of Christ on the CrossFranz Joseph Haydn70rank/position

Chiara String Quartet — Haydn’s “Seven Last Words of Christ”

Composed in 1786, this work is a monumental piece of sacred music that expresses the Seven Last Words of Christ on the cross through music.

Commissioned by a Spanish cathedral, it was later adapted into versions for string quartet and oratorio.

Consisting of seven slow movements, it conveys Christ’s suffering and profound spirituality.

In particular, the Largo of the Fourth Sonata—“My God! Why have You forsaken me?”—renders heartrending emotion with remarkable power.

In this video, it corresponds to 32:48.

It’s highly recommended not only for those interested in Christian music, but also for anyone seeking serene, contemplative music.