Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, Opus 68

It took over twenty years from its original thoughts to its premiere in 1867. The premiere of the First Symphony, in 1876, was a triumph, and the influential Hans von Bülow did not hesitate to proclaim it "the Tenth"(in reference in Beethoven's 9th)--a tribute Brahms understood, of course, but received with mixed feelings. For a first symphony, Brahms, if he had composed no others, this would still be considered one of the greatest ever written. He only wrote three more--all are equally astounding.