What does a timing joke sound like? As an example from today's episode of "Intermezzo" — Hazel and Christy compare classical humor to timing in stand-up comedy, such as in the famous Elf movie scene.

And here's an example of humor in classical music from the end of Franz Josef Haydn's "The Joke Quartet." The joke here is that Haydn repeatedly tricks the audience into thinking the piece has ended when it has not. He’s trying to trick you into clapping by setting up expectations.

Music in this episode:

Franz Josef Haydn: String Quartet in E-flat, Op. 33, No. 2 “The Joke” Finale
P.D.Q. Bach: 1712 Overture, S. 1712

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