Symphony No. 94 (The Surprise) - Joseph Haydn
Information about Symphony No. 94 by Joseph Haydn, and the best recordings available on CD or for download.
This is the second of the twelve London symphonies (numbers 93-104), so called because it was written in London for a series of concerts he gave during his first visit to England between 1791 and 1792.
It is nicknamed "The Surprise" because of a sudden loud chord at the end of an otherwise quiet second movement.
The work was written in 1791, and is in the key of G major.
RECOMMENDED RECORDINGS
Fischer (Nimbus 7041)
A good selection of Haydn's symphonies, excellently performed on modern instruments.
Austro-Hungarian Haydn Orchestra, conducted by Adám Fischer.
Nimbus 7041
Coupled with Symphonies Nos. 6 & 45 & 48 & 82 & 92
Also included in the boxed set: Haydn - The Complete Symphonies MP3 Edition
Davis (Philips 442 614-2)
Sir Colin Davis's second volume of the London Symphonies with the Concertgebouw. The recordings are superb in every respect.
Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, conducted by Sir Colin Davis.
Philips 442 614-2
Coupled with Symphonies Nos. 93 & 97 & 99 & 100 & 101