Haydn: Symphony No. 102 in B-flat major (with Score)

Franz Joseph Haydn:
Symphony No. 102 in B-flat major, Hob. I/102 (with Score)
Composed: 1794
Orchestra: Orpheus Chamber Orchestra

00:00 1. Largo — Allegro vivace (B-flat major)
08:40 2. Adagio (F major)
14:36 3. Menuetto: Allegro — Trio (B-flat major)
21:01 4. Finale: Presto (B-flat major)

The Symphony No. 102 in B♭ major, Hoboken I/102, is the tenth of the twelve London symphonies written by Joseph Haydn, at the instigation of impresario Johann Peter Salomon. It is one of three symphonies he worked on in 1794, along with his 103 and 104th symphonies. Despite being lesser-known than many of the other works in the group, it is sometimes viewed as Haydn's best symphony, in terms of successful use of compositional strengths unified in a quality undisturbed throughout the work.

It was completed in the summer of 1794, and premiered at benefit concerts at the King's Theatre in May 1795. It is now believed by many scholars to be the symphony at the premiere of which a chandelier fell from the ceiling of the concert hall in which it was performed. According to the Morning Chronicle (3 February 1795), "The last movement was encored; and not withstanding an interruption by the accidental fall of one of the chandeliers, it was performed with no less effect." The audience escaped unharmed, supposedly because they had rushed the stage to get a better view of Haydn. It was long believed that this "miracle" event took place at the premiere of his Symphony No. 96, which had happened in 1791.

[claravilla-jycs]

Definitely one of his best works. Evidence not only of his creative ability but also of his mental maturity.

[maniak]

I love how Haydn's work is just this never ending supply pool of musical genius. I didn't even know this piece a week ago and now can't even imagine having a 'real' life without knowing it. And it was the same thing with the 80, 86, 93, 96 or 103, (I won't even mention the really famous ones like 45, 94, 95 and 104) but many many years ago. In all those years I'm listening to music every single day and I've listened to pieces like Beethoven's 4th about 300 times but never even had the idea to check out this symphony once. Gee.

[pansyr]

I think the finale is the reason why this Symphony is considered his best: rondò elements, imitations, comical coda, pure joy 🎉❤

[barney]

Picture perfect, neat as a pin.
It's so good, people take it for granted.

[alkishadjinicolaou]

Much more mature than many of his other symphonies

[matibasmati]

Thanks for the upload! One small thing - time stamp for the 4th movement should be around 21:00 ;)

[emanuel_soundtrack]

25:15 the conductor did not understand the joke i guess. These people are too afraid to mess up

[emanuel_soundtrack]

great discovery again, principally the first movement . It has a very nice air of Mozart already

[IAmDylanPowers]

Say hello to Haydn's final Symphony not to call for clarinets. Haydn's next two symphonies managed to use clarinets.

[beethovenlovedmozart]

Beethoven couldn't have had a better teacher. They are basically the same talent wise. Beethoven learned how instrumentation and harmony can make up for lack of melodic talent.

[Wherrimy]

Wow, this is the origin of Beethoven's 4th

[notmyworld]

Haydn's music is brilliantly crafted, but it's much too formally structured and polite. When Beethoven came along he poured all that politeness down the drain where it belongs and gave us something to grab our attention!