Franz Joseph Haydn's works are known to contain many musical jokes, and the Surprise Symphony (Symphony No. 94) includes the most famous of all - a sudden loud chord in the theme of the second movement after a tranquil opening. The music then returns to its original quiet dynamic, as if nothing had happened, and the ensuing variations do not repeat the joke. As the story goes, the sudden forte (the "surprise") is supposed to wake up any audience members who have started to doze off. This arrangement for grade 2 players in the key of C provides a great opportunity for students to listen for pitch accuracy on the F and C naturals. Duration 2:50.
