He spent his life as the dutiful court composer of a Prince Esterhazy, but everyone agreed that when it came to musical jokes, Joseph Haydn was king! This humorous program features both the obvious jokes of Haydn, such as the “Surprise Symphony” as well as the many subtle jokes intended for the musical connoisseur. Here he lets dancers fall into a “musical hole” or depicts someone dancing with one short and one long leg. And in his “Farewell Symphony” he diplomatically gets the message across to his Prince that it is time for the musicians to go home to their families.

With the music of Rossini, Strauss, and Mendelssohn, Monique demonstrates how instruments laugh, giggle, or roar with glee. A delightful program the whole family will enjoy!

Repertoire

Jacques Offenbach: "Can Can" from Orpheus in the Underworld
Giaocchino Rossini: Ouverture to "The Barber of Seville"
Felix Mendelssohn: Violinconcerto in e-minor, op. 64. Allegro molto vivace.

Franz Joseph Haydn:
Symphony No. 45 "Farewell Symphony"
Symphony No. 58. Menuett alla Zoppa
Symphony No. 60. Finale
Symphony No. 94 "Surprise Symphony" Andante.
Symphony No. 104. Menuetto

Sergei Prokofiev:„Classical Symphony“. Finale. Molto Vivace
Johann Strauss II: Overture to "Die Fledermaus"

Instrumentation
Full Orchestra. [2.2.2.2] [4.2.3.1] Strings, Timpani, Percussion, Harp.

Interactive Elements

• Audience conducts a Haydn Minuet and checks for regularity in 8-bar phrases to discover a „musical hole.“
• Several children go backstage with the percussionist to invent a humorous alternative for Haydn’s „Surprise Symphony“, which is then performed by the orchestra.
• Children clap to Offenbach’s „Can Can“ and join in with the „ha-ha-has” of the “Fledermaus” Overture.
  

For questions regarding teaching materials or repertoire for smaller ensembles please contact us at info@klassik-for-kids.de