Haydn Symphony No.94 in G Major "Surprise" Prescribed Work

London Symphonies

The twelve symphonies composed by Joseph Haydn for performance in London between 1791 and 1795; Haydn's last twelve symphonies (Nos. 93-104)

Chromaticism

a compositional technique interspersing the primary diatonic pitches and chords with other pitches of the chromatic scale.

question and answer/antecedent and consequent

a melody where a pair of successive phrase are both similar and different to each other

4-3 suspension

a musical device, commonplace in the Western classical tradition, whereby a suspension is formed through a note a fourth above the bass which resolves to a third.

period

a structure of two consecutive phrases, often built of similar or parallel melodic material, in which the first phrase gives the impression of asking a question which is answered by the second phrase

Appoggiatura

a type of grace note that is approached by leap, resolved by step - considered melodically important

General Pause (G.P.)

indicates a silence of significant length in music

Forte (f)

loud

Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)

music director for 30 years for Prince Nicholas Esterhazy. 1790 went to England to compose symphonies, known as the "London Symphonies." Returned to work for the Esterhazy in later life, where he was focused on sacred music. He was a very famous and rich musician by the time he died.

double variation

occurs when each phrase of a melodic theme is treated differently

anacrusis

pick up note

Adagio

slow tempo

Piano (p)

softly

secondary dominant

the V or Dominant of a key other than Tonic

minore

Italian for "minor"

Motif

A recurring musical theme, subject or idea

nonchord tone (NCT)

A tone, often chromatic, that is not a member of the chord or given key

sonata-rondo form

ABA-development-ABA

rounded binary form

BINARY FORM in which the latter part of the first section returns at the end of the second section, but in the TONIC. A BA1

Symphony No. 94 in G Major (Surprise)

The second of his London Symphonies, known for it's second movement feature a loud chord.

diatonic triad

uses primarily the 1st, 3rd, and 5th scale degrees of the tonic key

allegro molto

very fast

allegro assai

very fast tempo

allegro di molto

very fast, animated

Acciaccatura

very short note played before a longer one; not considered melodically important

Pianissimo (pp)

very softly

Andante

walking pace tempo