Andante from the Surprise Symphony

“He alone has the secret of making me smile, and touching me to the bottom of my soul,” said Mozart about “Papa” Haydn and his music. The “Surprise” Symphony (No.94), incidentally written during the final year of Mozart’s short life, has become one of Haydn’s most memorable works.Since this symphony was written during the zenith of the Classical period, Timothy Johnson’s skillful arrangement gives you a perfect opportunity to teach your young band “lightness” and control as essentials of Classical style playing. You can introduce the concept of making the staccato notes “separated” instead of just “short” in order to best approximate the sound of the times. It’s a naturalselection for your next festival or concert! Why not give your young band a chance to meet “Papa” Haydn through this charming arrangement?