|
|
Josef Haydn's
Surprise Symphony No. 94 in G, |  |
Josef Haydn wrote the well-known Surprise Symphony in London in 1791. The slow movement of
this work opens and proceeds in the most subdued manner, and at
the moment when the audience may be imagined to have comfortably
settled for their nap a sudden explosive fortissimo chord is
introduced. "There all the women will scream," said Haydn, with
twinkling eyes.
A contemporary critic read quite a different
"programme" into it. "The Surprise," he wrote, "might not be
inaptly likened to the situation of a beautiful shepherdess who,
lulled to slumber by the murmur of a distant waterfall, starts
alarmed by the unexpected firing of a fowling-piece." One can
fancy the composer's amusement at this highly-imaginative
interpretation of his harmless bit of waggery.
Josef Haydn Facts and Information
Copyright 2004-2005 by Classical-Music-Opera.com, all rights reserved.
|
| |
| Listening to classical music is a passtime that can provide hours of excitement or quiet contemplation. Whether you prefer to attend a concert performance in person, listen to an audio cd or watch your favorite orchestra or opera company on dvd, a knowledge of the composer and facts and information about the provenance of various pieces enhances the experience. We offer these biographies, criticisms and essays in hope that your listening experience will be as enjoyable as possible. |
|
|
