When did Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart complete Symphony No. 40?
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart completed Symphony No. 40 on the 25th of July 1788. He recorded this date in his personal catalog to mark the end of work on the piece known as K. 550.
Questions about Symphony No. 40 (Mozart)
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What are the two versions of Symphony No. 40 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart?
Symphony No. 40 exists in two distinct versions that differ primarily by the inclusion of clarinet parts. The version without clarinets was likely performed first, while a revised version with added clarinet parts followed later.
Did Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart hear his Symphony No. 40 performed during his lifetime?
Evidence suggests that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart heard at least one performance of his Symphony No. 40 before his death. A letter from Johann Wenzel dated the 10th of July 1802 describes a performance where Mozart left the room due to poor execution.
How is Symphony No. 40 scored and what instruments does it use?
Symphony No. 40 is scored for flute, two oboes, two clarinets, two bassoons, two horns, and strings. It follows the standard four-movement structure of a classical-style symphony.
Which composers were influenced by Symphony No. 40 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart?
Ludwig van Beethoven copied bars from the score into his sketchbooks for his Fifth Symphony. Franz Schubert also adapted music from the minuet of this work in his own Fifth Symphony.