Symphonies formed the backbone of Rosetti's oeuvre. At present, forty-three symphonies spanning from approximately 1773 to 1792 can be safely attributed to his pen. An additional twenty works exist in sources with unconvincing attributions and are considered either doubtful or spurious. Rosetti's symphonies achieved great popularity during his lifetime. Individual works were listed in various court and monastic inventories and advertised for sale in Breitkopf's catalog supplements. Well over half appeared in print during his lifetime. Even today, manuscript sets of parts are found in archives throughout Europe. Rosetti composed most—although not all—of these works for the Wallerstein Hofkapelle, and, not surprisingly, the special demands of his music-loving patron and the capabilities of the court musicians (detailed previously) played a substantial role in shaping their character and profile.

Early Symphonies

No evidence has been found to suggest that Rosetti composed any symphonies before his appointment at Wallerstein. Although he is known to have been active as a composer when Kraft Ernst first hired him, his earliest compositions seem to have been confined to chamber music, pieces for the church, and wind band pieces. Upon joining the Wallerstein Hofkapelle, Rosetti had at his disposal an orchestra of professional ability. He took full advantage of this situation, and during his tenure at Wallerstein produced a steady stream of symphonies and concertos.

By 1779, Rosetti had at least twenty symphonies to his credit.