January 1 - Johann Nepomuk Hummel's Concerto for trumpet and orchestra receives its première in Vienna, in the presence of Nicholas II, Prince Esterházy.
May 14 - Napoleon proclaims himself emperor, causing Beethoven to tear up the title page of his recently-completed Symphony No. 3 and rename it the Eroica.
September 18 - Composer Muzio Clementi marries 19-year-old pianist Caroline Lehmann, the daughter of Johann Georg Lehmann, director of the Royal Opera, Berlin. There is a 33-year age gap between bride and groom.