Classical Music Discoveries

Mozart’s Symphony No. 32 in G Major was composed in 1779 after his return from Paris. With the recent success of the Paris Symphony, with a louder orchestra, per his father Leopold’s comments, Amadeus decided to experiment with the larger orchestra, but this time, in the style of the Italians. The symphony is scored for strings, 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 4 horns, 2 trumpets and timpani. The work is in the form of an Italian overture, consisting of 3 very brief movements that follow one another without a break. The entire symphony lasts less than 9 minutes. The work was originally considered as overture to Mozart’s “Thamos, King of Egypt” but this idea was abandoned as the date of the autographed manuscript does not align with the date of the completed opera. However, the symphony was used as an overture to another opera composed by another composer. The autographed scored is now located in the New York Public Library. Symphony No. 33 in B-flat Major was composed on July 9, 1779, in a single day. This 4-movement symphony is scored for strings, 2 oboes, 2 bassoons and 2 horns. Mozart decided to return to his smaller orchestral format for this symphony, however, he never returned to the smaller orchestra again. Evidently, Mozart decided he enjoyed the sound of the larger orchestra better than the smaller orchestra of his youth. The decision to use the smaller orchestra may have been prompted by his father, Leopold at this time. Bear in mind that Mozart was now 23 years old and was trying to break away from his father’s influence. The autographed scored of this symphony is preserved in Krakow, Poland. This series is sponsored by Dennis Loeffel. Purchase this on Itunes at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/complete-mozart-edition-symphonies/id118401915?app=music&ign-mpt=uo%3D4