Symphony No. 94 in G major,

"Surprise" (IV. Finale: Allegro Molto)

Listening Guide

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Performed by The Orchestra of the 18th Century, conducted by Frans Brüggen.

Composer: Haydn

Composition: Symphony No. 94 in G major, "Surprise" (IV. Finale)

Date: 1791

Genre: symphony

Form: IV. Finale: Allegro molto is in a (sonata) rondo form

Performing Forces: Classical orchestra here with 1st violin section, 2nd violin section, viola section, cellos/bass section, 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 trumpets, 2 horns, 2 bassoons, and timpani

What we want you to remember about this composition:

  • This movement uses a rondo form
  • It is at a very fast tempo
  • It uses a full orchestra

Other things to listen for

  • The alternation of the different sections of the rondo form
  • The changes in key and texture

Timing

Performing Forces, Melody, and Texture

Form:

Fast and tuneful theme in duple time in homophonic texture; in G major, with more dissonances as the music modulates to…

A

D major for a different tuneful theme that opens descending motion;

B

Returns to G major and the first theme; texture becomes more polyphonic as it…

A'

modulates through several keys.

C

Return to the first theme in G major

A

Opening motive of the first theme in minor and then sequences on other motives that modulate through minor keys.

D

Back in G major with the first theme and other music of A that is extended into a coda that brings back b momentarily and juxtaposes forte and piano dynamics before its rousing close.

A and coda