Classical · 1791
Symphony No. 94 in G major, 2nd movement ("Surprise")
J. HaydnHob. I:94
- Key
- C
- Time
- 2/4
- Tempo
- ♩=80
- AO focus
- AO3
Incipit
Form
Andante theme + 4 variations. The famous fortissimo chord lands at bar 16 — the 'surprise' that wakes the audience.
Teaching points
- Theme is a 16-bar period: 8-bar antecedent (HC) + 8-bar consequent (PAC) — textbook Classical proportions
- First-violin melody outlines I–V harmony; LH provides simple Alberti or block accompaniment
- The fortissimo C-major chord at bar 16 is the structural surprise — discuss expectation vs delivery