Symphony No. 94 in G major, Surprise
Joseph Haydn
Work background
Researched classical background
The famous loud chord interrupts an otherwise quiet phrase in the second movement of Haydn's Surprise Symphony. The movement continues as a set of variations, so the joke is only one element of a larger design. Written for Haydn's first London visit, the work also includes a spacious opening introduction, an energetic minuet and a lively finale.
A listening guide
After the sudden chord, follow how the same simple melody changes in successive variations.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Orchestra
Composition: 1791
Composed in 1791; first performed in London in 1792.
This entry describes the musical work or cycle. Composition, premiere and publication dates describe different events. Performers and recordings can be explored through the external listening search.
Also known as: Surprise Symphony
Los Angeles Philharmonic: Haydn Surprise Symphony
London origins, second-movement surprise and musical form | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Haydn2032: Symphony Index
Catalogue identifiers, date estimates, movement headings and scoring; dates treated as estimates when marked uncertain | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Los Angeles Philharmonic: Haydn Surprise Symphony
London origins, second-movement surprise and musical form | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Haydn2032: Symphony Index
Catalogue identifiers, date estimates, movement headings and scoring; dates treated as estimates when marked uncertain | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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