Discovering Masterpieces: Haydn
This series delves into the most important symphonic works of music history. Each episode explores the origin and structure of a famous musical masterpiece. The Surprise Symphony is the best known of the over 100 symphonies by Haydn. Its second movement is the most popular and gave the symphony its name: legend has it that the sudden beat of the timpani was meant to rouse members of the audience who had fallen asleep. Robert Levin tells the story of the legendary "Surprise" and shows, on piano, the special characteristics of the composition.