Caught Off Guard by Haydn's Symphony No 94 in G major, Hob. I:94 "Surprise"
III. Menuetto: Allegro molto
Symphony No. 94 in G major, Hob. I:94
I'm Joseph Haydn, and I'm pleased to explain the III. Menuetto: Allegro molto movement of my Symphony No 94. You'll notice that this is the fastest, liveliest minuet in all my symphonies, with a rustic oompah accompaniment that makes it feel like a country dance. Since my fellow composers and I also teach you on this site to recognize our pieces when they play, take a turn at the Trainer .
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Where to Point Your Ears
Think of this movement as a dance that someone has asked to hurry up, and keep most of your attention on the strings, because they carry the tune. Underneath the melody you'll hear a steady, rustic "oompah" accompaniment, a bit like a village band keeping everyone in time. When the middle part arrives, listen for the violins and a bassoon playing the same melody an octave apart, which makes the sound thicker and a little gruffer. You don't need to know anything about music to enjoy this, so just follow the bounce and notice the moment it changes.What's in a Name, Besides a Lot of Speed
I called this movement Menuetto because that is the name of the old dance people expected to find at this point in a symphony. Then I added Allegro molto, which means very fast, and that changes the character of the whole thing. It turned out to be the fastest and liveliest minuet in any of my symphonies, far quicker than anyone would want to dance a graceful minuet. Many people see this kind of speed as a step away from the old minuet and toward the scherzo, a more playful kind of movement, and I was happy to let the music head that way.A Sandwich With a Different Filling
Choosing the form here was easy in the end, because this is not a sonata and not a rondo but a minuet and trio in ternary form, all set in G major. Ternary simply means three parts: the minuet comes first, then the trio, and then the minuet comes back again. The trio is the filling between two slices of bread, and it gives your ears something different before the familiar music returns. I'll take the three sections one at a time, so you'll know exactly what to listen for.Section 1: The Minuet Marches In Without Waiting
The movement starts at full speed, with a bright, lively tune in G major that doesn't ask whether you're ready. Under it, the accompaniment keeps up that countrified "oompah" bounce, which gives the music an earthy, cheerful feel. I wanted this to sound less like a ballroom and more like a village festival where the dancers have had a great deal of energy to spare. Hold on to this tune and its bounce, because you'll want to recognise them again later.Section 2: The Trio Lets Everyone Catch Their Breath
The trio changes the texture, and this is where the violins are joined by the bassoon, playing the same melody an octave lower. That doubling gives the tune a firmer, slightly rougher edge than the sparkling sound of the violins alone. The mood eases after the rush of the opening, and the music feels more settled and less bustling. It's a short change of scenery, and it makes the return of the minuet feel all the more welcome.Section 3: The Minuet Comes Home Again
After the trio, the minuet returns, and you'll recognise the lively tune and its oompah bounce straight away. Hearing it a second time is a pleasure of its own, because now it sounds like an old friend arriving at the door. That shape of energy, then contrast, then homecoming is the little story this movement tells. It all passes quickly, and then the finale takes over.Your Turn to Press Play
Now I'd like you to hear this movement for yourself, so press play and let the music carry you along. While it plays, you might remember the oompah bounce, the bassoon joining the violins in the trio, and the way the opening tune comes back. You don't have to catch everything, because the speed and the good spirits will do much of the work for you. I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed writing it.---
I hope you enjoyed learning about the III. Menuetto: Allegro molto of my Symphony No 94 in G major, Hob. I:94 "Surprise". Now that you know how fast and lively this minuet is, I hope you'll hear it a little differently the next time it comes around, as a dance that has started to turn into something bolder. I like to think of it as a quiet hint of where music was heading, with the old stately minuet giving way to the scherzo. There is still plenty more to explore in my Symphony No 94 in G major, Hob. I:94 "Surprise", from the other movements to the story of how it came to be. The finale has a surprise of its own, and the slow introduction and the Andante each have their own character, so a second listening will keep rewarding you. Please click on the links provided here to keep exploring my Symphony No 94 in G major, Hob. I:94 "Surprise", and take your time with each part. I would love for you to come back to this music again and again, and to find something new in it every time.