Classical Music Discoveries

Mozart’s Symphony No. 6 in F Major was composed when Wolfgang was 11 years old in 1767. According to Alfred Einstein, the symphony was probably begun in Vienna and completed in Moravia when the Mozart family fled Vienna to escape the smallpox epidemic.

This 4-movement symphony is scored for 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 horns, bassoon, strings and harpsichord.

The flutes are used in the 2nd movement in place of the oboes.

The 2nd movement was also quite revolutionary in 1767, especially when it was composed by a small 11-year old boy. For the first time in any of Mozart’s symphonies, the violas are divided into two parts. The 2nd movement’s theme is from a previous Mozart opera, Apollo, and the violins are muted over pizzicato seconds and the addition of the divided violas, created quite the “ravishing effect” as per a clergyman who attended the concert with the brother of the Archbishop of Salzburg.

This symphony also marks the first time that Mozart uses a minuet and trio in his symphony. This would be a very common feature of future Mozart symphonies.

The 4-movement Symphony Number 7 in D Major was completed when the Mozart family returned to Vienna in January of 1768.

The first performance of this symphony was a private concert for the Ambassador from Russia at his residence in March of 1768.

This symphony is scored for strings, 2 oboes, 2 horns, 2 trumpets, timpani, bassoon and harpsichord.

It is also noteworthy that Wolfgang’s sister, Maria, who was 15 years old at the time, performed the harpsichord part for both symphony number 6 and 7 at their premieres, further impressing audiences to see that a young 11-year-old boy was conducting the orchestra and his 15-year-old sister was performing, brilliantly, as a musician in the all adult orchestra.

Bear in mind that at this time, women (let alone young girls) were not allowed to perform in professional orchestras. Thus, allowing Maria to perform in the orchestra must have been quite the talk of all Austria in 1767 and 1768.