Symphony No. 102 in B-flat major
Joseph Haydn
Work background
Researched classical background
Haydn composed the 102nd during his second London stay. A slow introduction leads into a forceful Allegro, while the Adagio gives prominent attention to the cello and delicate orchestral colours. Its premiere is associated with a falling chandelier that injured no one; that incident was later attached to the wrong symphony, giving No.96 its Miracle nickname.
A listening guide
Listen for the cello's role in the Adagio and the finale's playful changes of direction.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Orchestra
Composition: 1794
Composed 1794; premiered 1795.
This entry describes the musical work or cycle. Composition, premiere and publication dates describe different events. Performers and recordings can be explored through the external listening search.
Boston Baroque: Haydn Symphony No.102
1794 composition, musical guide and chandelier story correction | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Haydn2032: Symphony Index
Catalogue identifiers, date estimates, movement headings and scoring; dates treated as estimates when marked uncertain | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Boston Baroque: Haydn Symphony No.102
1794 composition, musical guide and chandelier story correction | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Haydn2032: Symphony Index
Catalogue identifiers, date estimates, movement headings and scoring; dates treated as estimates when marked uncertain | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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