Songfacts®:

• On the evening of February 2, 1795, the audience at the King's Theatre, London awaited with keen anticipation the performance of Haydn's symphony. As the concert advertised that Haydn would direct the new piece himself "from the Pianofort," the audience pressed forward out of their seats to get a closer look.
  Moments later, a chandelier crashed to the floor where the seats had emptied, and the audience escaped unharmed.
  
  It was long believed that this "Miracle" event took place at the premiere of his Symphony No. 96 in D Major, giving this work the name "The Miracle." More recent research suggests that this event actually took place but during the premiere of his Symphony No. 102. However, the German composer's Symphony No. 96 has retained its nickname.
• Haydn's Symphony No. 96 was actually completed by the German composer in 1791 as part of the set of symphonies composed on his first trip to London. It was premiered at the Hanover Square Rooms in London on March 11, 1791.