Why is it called the Surprise Symphony? The secret of Haydn's success

Показать описание

Did you know? You can support the orchestra and our players by making a donation to the OAE

Haydn's Surprise Symphony isn't just one dramatic moment. Our Chief Executive Crispin explains why Haydn is the 'King of Symphonies'.

Рекомендации по теме

Комментарии

Thanks for this great little clip - I used it with my year 7 Music students and it was a good way to introduce Haydn's Surprise and some of the concepts of the era

joannefurnari

I've also read in music history records that he wrote this piece specifically for his audiences because he was sick of them falling asleep! He purposely wrote the second movement here to lull them to sleep and then used that one chord as the SURPRISE to wake everyone up! He found it humorous I suppose. 🤣

amandamylcraine

who else is using this video for their music class?

etthhaan

Great video !... I learned something (again)

johannes

I"ve heard and enjoyed the Surprise Symphony so many times, that I'm quite familiar with it—as I'm sure that many people who attend the orchestra now are.
In that context, the very best performance I've ever heard was from a conductor who had the utterly sacrilegious, but totally inspired, decision to "drop the bass" and hit the full dominant-chord fortissimo a measure early, right before those of us who know it well were expecting it.

LukeMaynard

If you want to know a less Americanised version of the Surprise story: Haydn was invited to stay in London after his former employer had died. Haydn accepted because the orchestra he would have available was much larger than the one he had back in Austria. At the time often concerts would end up in being background music, whilst the aristocracy would chat in the theatre: especially during boring slow movements, where people either slept or chatted. Having Haydn noticed that the British public was quite incline to this behaviour and having a large orchestra available, Haydn could not resist writing a seemingly boring ultra-known popular theme, played slowly, interrupted by a sudden “tutti” played “fortissimo” and followed by very brilliant variations of the theme. That way he made sure to wake up those who were sleeping and engage those who were talking into enjoying the rest of this genial composition.

andream.

yes, thank you very much for this Aufklarung! now I understand where the genius of the Joseph Haydn reside. thank you again dear Sir

bmaalimarber

Beethoven: I am the best composer ever
Mozart: No, I am
???: Amateurs.
Mozart: What was that, punk?
Haydn: Amateurs.

needleboy

Very good video this makes me wanna get back into piano as long as I don’t have to do recitals I’m good

gmg

I got this video as a link from my band teacher ;w;

siena

I'm gonna make my grandpa listen to this lol
Edit: Guys help I think my grandpa just got a heart attack help! Should i call the ambulance now?

kennethgustan