Haydn composed his Symphony in B-flat Major, Hob. I:68 around 1774/75, almost ten years after his creative period began at the Esterhzy Palace. At this time, the opera activities at the princely court were in a phase of development which was also reflected in the certain operatic quality of this symphony, for example, in the dramatically fluctuating slow movement. This movement is placed third instead of second for the last time in Haydn’s uvre.

The court orchestra was also slightly expanded to accommodate the opera activities. Haydn was now able to employ two bassoon parts in his symphonies for the first time, thus creating a fuller sound in the woodwinds of Symphony No. 68.