Haydn (March 31, 1732 - May 31, 1809) wrote more music in his lifetime than even he could remember! He wrote a grand total of 104 symphonies; the first when he was 27 years old. This listening example is the 2nd movement of Haydn's 94th Symphony, more commonly known as the Surprise Symphony. The surprise, which gives the symphony its title, is found at the beginning of this movement. Haydn wrote the Surprise Symphony while in London, England. At this time, Haydn was employed as a court musician and composer for Prince Paul Esterhazy, an Austrian prince who was a great admirer of his music. Since most of his works were performed at the palace for small dinner parties, he was accustomed to writing for strings alone. However, for the more sophisticated London audiences, Haydn decided to add brass and woodwinds to the orchestration. They loved it!

You must be able to answer the following questions:
Explain the surprise that gives the symphony its title?

What defining characteristics clearly make this an example from the Classical Era?

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