Haydn's Symphony No. 94 in Research Paper

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Kamien (161) notes that "theme and variations" was a basic musical idea widely used in the Classical period. In the second movement of Haydn's Symphony No. 94, the strings play the theme for the first time, softly and sweetly. Suddenly, the orchestra sounds a loud and dramatic chord -- the surprise. From there, the melody soars and dips as Haydn explores variations. He adds instruments to bring a fuller sound to the strings' playing of the theme and introduces a counterpoint melody. The music becomes bold and ominous-sounding with the change to a minor key. The "walking pace" begins to sound heavier, then Haydn returns to the lightness of the strings accompanied by the orchestra playing with much less volume. There is a dramatic pause and the movement ends as it began, with the simple staccato-like repeat of Haydn's basic theme.

The third movement, Minuet, Allegro Molto, is quick and lively, as the name suggests. The minuet form was typically used for the third movement of classical symphonies, string quartets and other works. Even though the form originated as a dance, its use as a symphonic movement was intended for listening, not dancing (Kamien 164). As with the second movement, Haydn explores a different theme and variations. The movement begins with full orchestra playing regally in 3/4 time. As Haydn explores the theme, the dynamic movement adds drama and excitement.

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The flute asks a question and the oboe answers. This musical idea is repeated later in the movement when the oboe plays a response to the strings. The strings soar and fall in this movement. Haydn effectively uses dramatic pauses before introducing another variation on the theme. This provides another way he can surprise his audience. As before, he uses the minor scale to great effect before returning, and then closing, with the main theme.

The fourth movement, the finale, is lively. Haydn explores the theme with strings and flute, using dynamics and key changes to create drama. The kettle drum can be heard before the theme is played a final time. The lively tune slows, finally, and ends with a pause and then a final chord.

It is no wonder the Surprise Symphony continues to be a favorite of music lovers, even ones more casual listeners who do not understand everything Haydn was trying to do with this piece. Haydn's sense of humor delights audiences with the surprise elements. He uses simple melodies, almost as naive as nursery rhymes, and builds on the themes, never taking them so far from the original that audiences cannot leave a concert hall unable to sing them and enjoy the memory of the performance.

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