Haydn · Joseph Haydn

Haydn Symphony No. 96 in D major, "Miracle"

The "miracle" actually happened at a different piece, they say

Key
D major
Composed
1791

The story behind this piece

The nickname "Miracle" comes with a story. At the premiere, the audience supposedly rushed to the front of the hall to see Haydn, and just then the chandelier fell onto the empty seats. No one was badly hurt, so everyone cried "a miracle." Haydn didn't give it this nickname.

But research suggests the chandelier incident actually happened at the premiere of Symphony No. 102 in 1795, not this one. Newspapers at the time reported a chandelier falling during a performance of No. 102. The story is true, but the name got attached to the wrong piece.

What to listen for

  • It's fun to also listen to Symphony No. 102, the real hero of the "Miracle" story

Listen · Score

Credits