"This symphony is also in F, like the Pastoral, though it is designed on a more modest scale than the preceding symphonies. Yet though it hardly exceeds the first symphony (in C major) in the breadth of its forms, it is at least far superior to it in three respects – instrumental writing, rhythm and melodic style."
January 1, 1970
https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Symphony_No._8_(Beethoven)