The nickname “Surprise” stems from the Andante second movement where a dynamic of ff with timpani and brass in measure 16 contrasts with the p melody leading up to it. One legend has it that Haydn expressly asked the timpani player to use large sticks and to strike the timpani without reservation, which resulted in an elderly woman fainting upon hearing the contrast.<br>
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A more realistic interpretation has Haydn only wanting to attempt something new.<br>
Continuing the cooperation between Bärenreiter and the G. Henle publisher regarding Haydn’s large-scale choral works, operas and symphonies, this edition is based on the G. Henle Complete Edition of the “Works of Joseph Haydn”.<br>