Franz Joseph Haydn Popular Song Rankings [2026]

Symphony No. 100 “Military”Franz Joseph Haydn36rank/position

J. Haydn – Hob I:100 – Symphony No. 100 in G major “Military” (Brüggen)

The second movement is largely a direct reuse of the Concerto in G major for Two Lyres, Hob.

VIIh:3, but with the addition at the end of a military bugle imitation and a striking timpani solo.

A timpani solo was extraordinarily rare in music of that period.

Symphony No. 100 in G major “Military”Franz Joseph Haydn37rank/position

Haydn Symphony Nº 103 H. I:100 G major “Military” “Militär”

Symphony No.

100 in G major “Military”: I.

Adagio – Allegro, II.

Allegretto, III.

Minuet, Moderato, IV.

Finale, Presto.

Performed by the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, conducted by Mariss Jansons.

Symphony No. 101 “The Clock”Franz Joseph Haydn38rank/position

Joseph Haydn: Symphony No. 101 “The Clock”

An elegant world woven by the majestic resonance of a full orchestra—this is a masterpiece by Haydn.

Composed during his stay in London, the work is especially memorable for the clocklike, regular rhythm of its second movement.

It shines with Haydn’s characteristic wit and creativity.

At its premiere in London in March 1794, it was met with great acclaim, and the second movement was reportedly encored.

Beneath its elegance, a playful spirit can be felt.

It’s a piece that lets you fully savor the charm of classical music.

Symphony No. 102 in B-flat majorFranz Joseph Haydn39rank/position

Haydn: Symphony No. 102 in B-Flat Major, Hob. I:102: IV. Finale. Presto

Composed by Haydn in 1794, this symphony is one of the masterpieces that epitomize his London period.

Consisting of four movements, it fully showcases the mature craftsmanship of Haydn.

At its premiere, there was an incident in which a chandelier fell, but the audience reportedly remained unharmed.

The work’s appeal lies in its variety: it begins with the otherworldly sonorities of the first movement, moves to the serene melody of the second, then to the cheerful peasant dance of the third, and concludes with a bright theme in the fourth that quotes a Croatian folk song.

It’s a highly recommended piece for those who wish to savor Haydn’s music in depth.

Symphony No. 103 in E-flat major “Drumroll”Franz Joseph Haydn40rank/position

J. Haydn – Hob I:103 – Symphony No. 103 in E flat major (Brüggen)

During his stay in Britain, Haydn experienced one of the most fruitful periods of his life and composed the ‘Drumroll’ Symphony in London.

Its premiere was a great success.

It is one of Haydn’s most popular symphonies and is still frequently performed and recorded today.

Symphony No. 104 in D major “London”Franz Joseph Haydn41rank/position

Haydn: Symphony No. 104 in D Major, “London” – Hob. I: 104

Known as one of Haydn’s signature works, this piece is the last symphony he completed during his stay in London.

Comprising four movements, it begins with a grand introduction and concludes with a folk-like melody.

The finale is especially striking for its tune reminiscent of Croatian folk music.

Haydn’s humor and unexpected turns appear throughout, keeping listeners engaged.

At its premiere in London on April 13, 1795, it was a great success and earned the composer a substantial income.

It remains a beloved masterpiece of classical music to this day.

Symphony No. 105 in B-flat major “Sinfonia concertante”Franz Joseph Haydn42rank/position

J. Haydn – Hob I:105 – Sinfonia Concertante in B flat major (Brüggen)

It’s a bright and festive-sounding piece.

In London, the sinfonia concertante was in vogue, and Christian Bach, the son of J.S.

Bach, also composed works in this genre.

It is said that Haydn was inspired by this trend and was eager to compose a sinfonia concertante himself.