Composer

:

Franz Joseph Haydn

Genre

:

Symphony

Style

:

Symphony

Compose Date

:

1791

Average_duration

:

22:31

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Franz Joseph Haydn's Symphony No. 96 in D major, H. 1/96, also known as the "Miracle" Symphony, was composed in 1791 during his second trip to London. The symphony premiered on February 10, 1791, at the Hanover Square Rooms in London, with Haydn conducting. The symphony consists of four movements. The first movement, Adagio - Allegro, begins with a slow introduction featuring a solo oboe and bassoon, followed by a lively Allegro section with a memorable theme played by the strings. The second movement, Andante, is a lyrical and expressive piece featuring a solo violin and a beautiful melody played by the woodwinds. The third movement, Menuetto - Trio, is a playful and energetic dance in triple meter, with a contrasting Trio section featuring a solo flute. The final movement, Vivace, is a fast and lively piece with a virtuosic violin solo and a thrilling coda. The "Miracle" Symphony gets its nickname from an incident that occurred during its premiere. As the symphony was being performed, a chandelier fell from the ceiling of the concert hall, narrowly missing the audience. Despite the chaos, the musicians continued to play, and the audience was so impressed by their composure that they gave the symphony a standing ovation. The symphony is characteristic of Haydn's mature style, with its inventive use of orchestration, unexpected harmonic shifts, and playful sense of humor. The use of solo instruments, such as the oboe, bassoon, violin, and flute, adds color and variety to the orchestration. The symphony also features Haydn's trademark wit and humor, particularly in the Menuetto - Trio movement, which includes a humorous "hiccup" motif played by the strings. Overall, Symphony No. 96 in D major, H. 1/96, is a masterful work that showcases Haydn's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both technically impressive and emotionally engaging. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and its place as one of Haydn's greatest symphonies.

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