Symphony No. 96 in D major, Miracle
Joseph Haydn
Work background
Researched classical background
Haydn's Ninety-sixth was among the first symphonies written for his London concerts. Its four movements move from a slow introduction to a bright Allegro, an Andante, minuet and quick finale. The Miracle nickname arose from a confused account of a chandelier falling without injury: the incident belongs to a performance of No.102, not to this work's premiere.
A listening guide
Compare the slow introduction with the quick, lightly articulated finale.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Orchestra
Composition: 1791
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.
Also known as: Miracle Symphony; The Miracle
Date, title and version notes
The chandelier incident often attached to No.96 belongs to No.102.
Boston Baroque: Mozart and Haydn programme
Corrects confusion of Symphony No.96 nickname with No.102 chandelier incident | 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: Mozart and Haydn programme
Corrects confusion of Symphony No.96 nickname with No.102 chandelier incident | 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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