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Haydn · Joseph Haydn

Haydn Symphony No. 94 in G major, "Surprise"

Quiet, then BANG! To wake up the dozers?

Key
G major
Composed
1791
Duration
about 23 min
Movements
4 movements
Instrumentation
Woodwinds 2·2·0·2 · Brass 2·2·0·0 · Timpani · Strings

The story behind this piece

Haydn wrote this in 1791, during his first visit to London. It is one of the "London" symphonies written for the concert series run by the impresario Salomon, and Haydn conducted its premiere himself on March 23, 1792, at the Hanover Square Rooms.

The nickname "Surprise" comes from the second movement. A very quiet, simple theme flows along, and suddenly the whole orchestra bursts out with a big "bang" of a chord. In Germany it is known by the nickname "Paukenschlag" (timpani stroke). Haydn himself didn't give it this nickname.

A popular story says he put it in to wake up audience members dozing at concerts, but Haydn himself said that wasn't the reason. His pupil Pleyel happened to be giving rival concerts in London, and Haydn said he wanted to surprise the audience with something new so as not to be outdone by his pupil.

What to listen for

  • Opening of the 2nd movement: the strings play a nursery-rhyme-like theme very softly twice, then a loud chord suddenly bursts out. You have to play the opening truly softly for the effect to work
  • Following variations in the 2nd movement: the same theme returns in many different guises

Listen · Score

Credits