26. Beethoven, Ludwig van. Symphony, no. 1, op. 21, C major

Beethoven, Ludwig van. Symphony, no. 1, op. 21, C major. Manuscript in an unidentified hand, circa 1804. Part for first violin. Page 1

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Beethoven, Ludwig van (1770–1827)
[Symphony, no. 1, op. 21, C major]
Manuscript, in an unidentified hand, on paper watermarked 1804
Parts for 2 violins, viola, violoncello and bass (2 copies), flute, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, serpent, 2 horns, 2 trumpets, trombones, timpani
Box 188, folder 964

One of the most significant orchestral works found among pieces performed by the Duke of Cumberland’s band is this copyist’s manuscript of Beethoven’s Symphony no. 1. Composed in 1799–1800, Symphony no. 1 was first performed in 1800, and first published, as orchestra parts, in Leipzig in 1801.

Though this manuscript by an unidentified copyist is undated, the paper is watermarked 1804, likely indicating early performances of the work by the Duke’s band. Original instrumentation (2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 2 horns, 2 trumpets, timpani, and strings) has been altered by additional parts for serpent and trombone.