Haydn arrived in London at the beginning of February 1794 for his second stay in England. At this point in time, the Symphony in E-flat major Hob. I:99 had already been completed and was premiered on 10 February. Audiences and the press were enthusiastic, as a review from the following day shows, “It is one of the grandest efforts of art that we ever witnessed. […] - It was received with rapturous applause.” Thus, an exceptional work in every sense, also for the first use of clarinets in a Haydn symphony, and for the artful counterpoint that structures the finale.

To everyone wishing to become more acquainted with this symphony, let this inexpensive study edition be commended - with reliable commentaries on its genesis, sources, and edition as well as an unassailable musical text taken from the Haydn Complete Edition.