Watch Discovering Masterpieces Of Classical Music - Haydn - Symphony No. 94 - Surprise

The movie Discovering Masterpieces Of Classical Music - Haydn - Symphony No. 94 - Surprise is a visual and auditory delight for classical music lovers. The documentary delves into the life and works of Joseph Haydn, the father of the symphony genre. The movie opens with a brief history of Haydn's life and musical career. He was born in Austria in 1732 and lived through a significant period of music history. His career spanned the Baroque, Classical, and early Romantic periods, and he was a mentor to many great composers of the next generation, including Mozart and Beethoven.

The focus of the documentary is on Haydn's Symphony No. 94, also known as the Surprise Symphony. This piece was composed in 1791 and is one of Haydn's most popular works. The documentary takes the viewer on a journey through each movement of the symphony, analyzing the melody, harmony, and orchestration.

One of the most fascinating aspects of this symphony is its nickname, the Surprise Symphony. The second movement features a sudden fortissimo chord that jolts the listener out of their reverie, hence the name. The documentary explores the history behind this surprise and how it was received by audiences of the time.

Throughout the film, we see dazzling footage of orchestras performing the Symphony No. 94. The footage was shot in some of the world's most prestigious music venues, including the Vienna Musikverein and the Berlin Philharmonie. The conducting of world-renowned maestros such as Leonard Bernstein and Herbert von Karajan is captured beautifully.

The movie also provides a historical context for the piece. The documentary explores the social and cultural milieu of Vienna in the late 18th century, where Haydn lived and worked. We see images of this vibrant city during that time, including the famous coffeehouses that were at the center of Viennese cultural life.

One of the strengths of the documentary is its accessibility. The presenter, musicologist Robert Levin, provides insightful and engaging commentary on the Symphony No. 94 without getting bogged down in technical jargon. He makes the music easy to understand and enjoyable to listen to, even for those who may not have a background in music theory.

The documentary not only provides an in-depth analysis of the Symphony No. 94 but also contextualizes it within the broader history of classical music. We see how Haydn's innovations in the symphony genre paved the way for the great composers that followed him, such as Mozart and Beethoven.

Overall, Discovering Masterpieces Of Classical Music - Haydn - Symphony No. 94 - Surprise is an informative and entertaining documentary that will appeal to classical music aficionados and newcomers alike. The blend of historical context, expert analysis, and stunning orchestral performances make for a truly immersive experience.

Discovering Masterpieces Of Classical Music - Haydn - Symphony No. 94 - Surprise is a 2017 musical with a runtime of 27 minutes.