Theme and Variations from Symphony No 94

From Wind Repertory Project
Franz Joseph Haydn

Franz Joseph Haydn (arr. Ted R. Marcus)


Complete 2nd Movement (Andante) from the "Surprise Symphony"


General Info

Year: 1791 / 2017
Duration: c. 6:00
Difficulty: VI (see Ratings for explanation)
Original Medium: Orchestra
Publisher: Ted R. Marcus
Cost: Score and Parts - $45.00


Instrumentation

Full Score
C Piccolo
Flute I-II
Oboe
English Horn
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
E-flat Alto Clarinet
B-flat Bass Clarinet
Bassoon I-II
B-flat Soprano Saxophone
E-flat Alto Saxophone
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Trumpet I-II-III
Horn in F I-II-III-IV
Trombone I-II-III
Euphonium
Tuba
String Bass
Timpani
Percussion, including:

  • Bells
  • Crash Cymbals
  • Snare Drum
  • Xylophone


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

The theme from the second movement of Joseph Haydn's Symphony No. 94 (along with the "surprise" that gives the symphony its name) is among the best-known "tunes" in classical music. Amazingly, Haydn's original manuscript from 1791 does not include the "surprise," which somehow got added to the symphony before its premiere in London the following year. The symphony was an immediate hit and has remained popular.

The famous theme is the introduction to a delightful set of variations offering great variety and contrast: Loud and soft; major and minor tonality; simple and elaborate; delicate chamber-music texture and full ensemble. The movement reaches a march-like climax before a quiet conclusion with a final harmonic surprise. In this version, the instruments of the modern concert band provide even more surprising color and contrast.


- Program note by Ted R. Marcus


Media


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • Peninsula Symphonic Winds (Dr. Berkeley Price, guest conductor) - 22 October 2017


Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music

  • Menuetto (Flex instrumentation) (arr. Glover) (1795/2019)
  • Trumpet Concerto (Flex instrumentation) (arr. Ring) (1796/2021)


All Wind Works


Resources