Sergei Prokofiev began work on Symphony No. 1 in D major, Op 25 in 1916, but wrote most of it in 1917, completing the piece on September 10 1917.^[1] It is also widely known as the Classical Symphony. The symphony was premiered on April 21 1918 in Petrograd, conducted by the composer.^[1]

The symphony can be considered one of the first neo-classical compositions. Prokofiev composed the symphony in an attempt to emulate Joseph Haydn's composing style; however, he still changed some of the structure of the symphony to reflect changing practices in composition. The idea was partly inspired by Prokofiev's conducting studies at the Saint Petersburg Conservatory‎, in which the instructor, Nikolai Tcherepnin, prepared his students to conduct Haydn. No actual quotations of Haydn are found in the work.^[2]

Prokofiev wrote the symphony on holiday in the country, and he used this piece as an exercise in composing away from the piano. (As an accomplished pianist, it was understandable that he had developed a habit of composing at the keyboard.)

Prokofiev gave the symphony the title Classical because of its neoclassical character, after Haydn. The symphony has become one of Prokofiev's most popular and accessible works, and several themes have been used as television background music.

The symphony is in 4 movements, lasting approximately ten to fifteen minutes:

1. Allegro
2. Larghetto
3. Gavotta: Non troppo allegro
4. Finale: Molto vivace

The symphony is scored for a classical period orchestra consisting of 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 2 horns, 2 trumpets, timpani and strings.^[1]

Recordings of this symphony include:

• Free scores by Symphony No.1 'Classical', Op.25 at the International Music Score Library Project (IMSLP)

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