Haydn´s Symphony No. 96 acquired its nickname through an unfortunate misunderstanding, originating in a colourful story reported by a contemporary biographer of the composer. The circumstances concern a different symphony entirely, but the attribution to No. 96 has persisted and the details are worth recounting: When Haydn appeared in the orchestra [...] the curious audience in the parterre left their seats and crowded towards the orchestra the better to see the famous Haydn quite close.

The...