These three symphonies all date from 1768–1769, a period shortly after Haydn’s rise to the position of Kapellmeister to the court of Prince Nicolaus Esterházy. The works contain striking examples of unexpected modulation, sudden fluctuations in dynamics and progressive instrumentation. Symphony No. 41 features trumpets and drums, whilst the descriptive appellation of Symphony No. 59 (Fire Symphony) might refer to a dramatic performance in the Esterháza theatre, with which the work is associated.