Symphony No. 94 (Surprise Symphony)

Aftermath

This helped define Haydn's unique style. After he used this, he often used the strategies that he used here.

More facts.

This was Haydn's 94th symphony. It is the second of the so -called London Symphonies.

Facts about Haydn.

Franz Joseph Haydn was born in Rohrau, Austria. His father was a wheelwright and his mother was a cook in the palace of Count Harrach.

Death

Haydn died at the age of 77 at May 1809, at Vienna.

Later life.

Haydn returned to Vienna in 1795. He served as the Kappelmeistrr again.

Nickname

Haydn was known for composing music that haf many jokes. A sudden fortissimo chord at the end which goes against the piano theme of the beginning surprised many people, which earned ot the name of the Surprise Symphony.

Mid Life II

Haydn went to London after he was contacted by Johann Peter Salomon, an impresario. He presented six months of concerts in London each year.

Mid-life.

Haydn worked as the music director for the court of the Hungarian Esterházy family. After the death of the prince, he was then able to travel wherever he wanted.

Background

Haydn wrote the symphony in 1791 in London for a concert series he gave during the first of his visits to England (1791-1792). The premiere took place at the Hanover Square Rooms in London on March 23, 1792, with Haydn leading the orchestra seated at a fortepiano.

Legacy

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Criticism

Many people thought that it was a comedic symphony, but it still reflected the style that was appropriate back then. The people loved this music.

Scoring

The Surprise Symphony is scored for a Classical-era orchestra consisting of two each of flutes, oboes, bassoons, horns, trumpets, plus timpani, and the usual string section consisting of violins (first and second), violas, cellos, and double basses.

Adagio

The first movement or adagio, starts as a 3/4 time signature. It is called monothematic or sonata form.

Finale

The fourth and last movement is a characteristically rhythmic and energetic Haydn finale. The movement was written in a sonata rondo form. The coda emphasizes the timpani.

Andante

The second movement is called the surprise. It is in a time signature of 2/4. It is in the subdominant key of C major. The theme is in two eight-bar sections, each repeated. Four variations then follow, starting with the embellishments of the 16th notes by first violons, then to C mino with trumpets and timpani, then solos for the oboes and the flute. In the coda, the opening notes are reharmonized with a dissonant dminished seventh chord over a tonic pedal.

Menuetto

The third movement is a minuet and trio. It is in the key of G major. The tempo is allegro, meaning ot is very quick.