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Haydn: Symphony No. 94 in G Major, Surprise II (Music)

What is the "surprise" in this movement that gives the symphony its subtitle?
a) A sudden tempo change
b) A loud drumroll
c) A quiet and unexpected fortissimo
d) A surprise guest conductor

Which of the following is NOT a variation technique heard in this movement?
a) Retrograde
b) Inversion
c) Augmentation
d) Diminution

Which statement most accurately describes the tempo of this movement?
a) Largo
b) Presto
c) Adagio
d) Allegro

1 Answer

4 votes

Final answer:

The "surprise" in Haydn's Symphony No. 94 is a quiet and unexpected fortissimo. Retrograde is not a technique used in this symphony's second movement, while the actual tempo of this movement is Andante, indicating a moderately slow and even pace.

Step-by-step explanation:

Haydn Symphony No. 94 Surprise and Tempo

The "surprise" in the second movement of Haydn's Symphony No. 94 in G Major, which gives the symphony its nickname "Surprise," is c) A quiet and unexpected fortissimo. This occurs when, after a series of soft passages, a sudden loud chord is played, startling the audience. This was Haydn's playful way of waking up any listener who may have drifted off during the gentle opening of the movement.

As for the variation techniques in this movement, a) Retrograde is NOT heard. The other techniques, such as inversion, augmentation, and diminution, are indeed used by Haydn to develop variations on the movement's theme.

The most accurate description of the tempo of this movement is d) Andante. While the options provided in the student's question do not include Andante, it is widely recognized that the second movement of this symphony is marked as such, which translates to a pace that is moderately slow and even.

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