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An instant hit with the London sophisticates, Haydn’s ‘Surprise’ delights with a kaleidoscope of giddy melodies and whimsy. The third movement waltz recalls the frivolity of Austrian folk dances but also the refined ballroom minuet popular with cosmopolitan crowds.

"There, the sleeping ladies will jump" Haydn allegedly said to a friend when he saw a score of the 94th Symphony. Always a practical joker, Haydn inserted his ‘Surprise’ in in the second movement, amongst a set of variations on a lullaby.

Composer: Joseph Haydn
Performers: ´óÏó´«Ã½ Symphony Orchestra
Conductor: David Robertson
Recording date: 24 July 2006
Date of broadcast: 24 July 2006