What is a neoclassical symphony?

A neoclassical symphony is a symphony composed in the 18th century style, in reaction to the Romanticism of the early 19th century. These symphonies are characterized by a return to classical forms and values, such as clarity, balance, and proportion, and by a rejection of the emotional and subjective elements of Romanticism. Some examples of neoclassical symphonies include:

Symphony No. 1 in G minor by Felix Mendelssohn

Symphony No. 40 in G minor by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Symphony No. 104 in D major by Joseph Haydn

These symphonies are all characterized by their use of clear and concise melodies, their balanced and symmetrical structures, and their rejection of excessive emotion. They are also all written in the traditional four-movement form:

First movement: Allegro (fast and lively)

Second movement: Andante (slow and lyrical)

Third movement: Menuetto or Scherzo (fast and dance-like)

Fourth movement: Allegro or Presto (fast and exciting)

Neoclassical symphonies were a reaction to the increasingly complex and emotional music of the Romantic period. They represent a return to the simpler and more structured music of the Classical period, and they helped to pave the way for the development of modern classical music.