Symphony No. 94 in G major,
"Surprise" (IV. Finale: Allegro Molto)
Listening Guide
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
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