François-Joseph Gossec’s Symphonie à dix-sept parties (Symphony in 17 parts) is one of the composer’s best-known works, along with his Messe des Morts, but also one of his most enigmatic. This new edition by the Centre de musique baroque de Versailles offers a high-quality musical text and a precise overview of our current understanding of the work.----

First mentioned in the catalogue of François-Joseph Gossec’s works in 1903, the Symphonie à dix-sept parties was composed in the 1800s, based on an earlier overture. In the absence of any documentation on the work’s genesis, much has been written about whether it was a tribute to Haydn or to the Revolution, but nothing supports these theories. The fact remains that the composer, in full command of his forces, delivers a symphony with an innovative orchestration, the culmination of his research and experience in writing for winds and brass.

The symphony’s title refers to its scoring for 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 2 trumpets, 2 horns, timpani, violins 1, violins 2, violas and basses (cellos and double basses). Written in four movements (Maestoso – Allegro molto, Larghetto, Menuet and Allegro molto) in an accomplished Viennese style, the work lasts almost half an hour. It is suitable for all symphony orchestras.