Symphony no. 94 in G major, Hob. I:94 “Surprise”
The Symphony No. 94 in G major (H. 1/94) is the second of the twelve London symphonies written by Joseph Haydn. It is popularly known as the Surprise Symphony. Haydn wrote the symphony in 1791 in London for a concert series he gave during the first of his visits to England (1791–1792). The premiere took place at the Hanover Square Rooms in London on 23 March 1792, with Haydn leading the orchestra seated at a fortepiano. A typical performance of the symphony lasts about 23-25 minutes.
Movements
- Adagio cantabile. Vivace assai
- Andante
- Menuet. Allegro molto – Trio – Menuet
- Finale. Allegro di molto
Recommended recordings
- Philharmonia Hungarica · Antal Doráti YouTubeSpotify (subscription)
- The English Concert · Trevor Pinnock YouTubeSpotify (subscription)