When did Mozart complete Symphony No. 40 in G minor?
Mozart completed Symphony No. 40, K. 550, on the 25th of July 1788. He recorded the date precisely because in his mature years he kept a full catalog of his completed works.
Questions about Symphony No. 40 (Mozart)
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Did Mozart ever hear Symphony No. 40 performed?
There is strong evidence that Mozart did hear Symphony No. 40 performed. A letter from musician Johann Wenzel, dated the 10th of July 1802, describes a performance at the home of Baron Gottfried van Swieten at which Mozart was present, though the poor quality of the playing reportedly caused him to leave the room.
Who owns the original manuscript of Mozart's Symphony No. 40?
The autograph scores of both versions of Symphony No. 40 are held by the Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde in Vienna. Johannes Brahms acquired them in the 1860s and later donated them to the institution.
What are the two versions of Mozart's Symphony No. 40?
Symphony No. 40 exists in two versions that differ primarily in that one includes parts for a pair of clarinets, with corresponding adjustments to the other wind parts. The clarinet version is generally considered a later revision.
How did Symphony No. 40 influence Beethoven and Schubert?
Ludwig van Beethoven copied 29 bars from Symphony No. 40 into a sketchbook alongside sketches for his own Fifth Symphony, whose third movement opens with a pitch sequence similar to Mozart's finale. Franz Schubert also transcribed Mozart's minuet, and the minuet of Schubert's Fifth Symphony strongly evokes it.
What is the first known recording of Mozart Symphony No. 40?
The first known recording of Symphony No. 40 was issued by the Victor Talking Machine Company in 1915. The Victor Concert Orchestra performed under the direction of Walter B. Rogers, Victor's house conductor.