Symphony No. 102 in Bb major

Symphony No. 102 in Bb major, Hoboken I/102

Composer: Joseph Haydn

Date of publication: 1794

Though completed in 1794, Haydn did not debut his Symphony No. 102 until either February or May (sources differ) of 1795, when he began having it performed at benefits concerts for the King's Theatre. These performances and similar ones Haydn had done in the past are viewed as crucial in having transformed symphonies into a form of public entertainment, whereas before they had been more of a royal privilege. The symphony itself is in standard four-movement form, consisting of a largo, an adagio in F major, a menuetto (though it's very similar to a Ländler), and a finale. It is intended to be played with two flutes, two oboes, two bassoons, two horns, two trumpets, timpani and strings. There is no didgeridoo. This symphony is most notorious because at its debut performance, a chandelier fell from the ceiling of the theater. It would have killed at least 30 people, except that the audience had all come closer to the stage to better see Haydn. There were no deaths and only minor injuries, leading to some viewers proclaiming it to be a miracle.

Fun Fact: "The Miracle" is actually the epithet of a different piece by Haydn, the Symphony No. 96.

Movements:

I. Largo — Vivace

II. Adagio in F major

III. Menuetto. Allegro

IV. Finale. Presto