New Millennium Strings

Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)

Symphony No. 94, G Major (Surprise)

Haydn composed the "Surprise" Symphony No. 94 in 1792 and it was one of the London symphonies. Haydn told his public that the reason he subtitled the symphony "Surprise" was because he wished to do something new. However, near the beginning of the slow movement is a shockingly loud chord, which is preceded by and followed by a very soft passage. Haydn clarifed that the crash was not the reason that he had subtitled the piece "Surprise." (Some might question the intention of this chord, and wonder if it had been added "to awaken those who may have dozed off during a performance").

The subdued introduction of the first movement sets the tonality for the entire symphony. Following the introduction, the music comes to life when the first violins play a graceful and spirited theme. The first violins are the featured virtuosi in this movement and throughout the symphony. It is almost as if Haydn had intended to compose a violin concerto.

The second movement opening theme is a simple statement that gradually develops into a florid and sophisticated theme and variation movement. The third movement begins with a robust pesante theme, which illustrates Haydn's use of a folk idiom. The opening of the Menuetto is heard as a disjunct melody line, which the Trio is a more lyrical theme. Haydn's wit and humor shine through in the last movement. Most first violins are technically challenged by Haydn's writing because the passagework lies like a finger puzzle. In the last movement, in the "heat of battle," the first violins play an almost humorous hornpipe-like tune. By this time, nearly overwhelmed by the movement's complexity, the first violins have only their heads left to shake, as they recognize Haydn's "last laugh!"

-- program notes by Laurien Jones

May, 2003