Symphony No. 31 (Mozart)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart arrived in Paris during 1778 at the age of twenty-two. He sought employment while his mother fell ill and eventually died there. The composer needed work to support himself after leaving Salzburg. Joseph Legros, an opera singer and impresario, commissioned a new symphony for him. Legros served as director of the Concert Spirituel orchestra. This commission provided Mozart with a steady income during his difficult stay. The city offered large orchestras that did not exist in his hometown. He wrote this piece specifically for those expanded forces.
The first private performance occurred on the 12th of June 1778 inside Count Karl Heinrich Joseph von Sickingen's home. The count acted as ambassador for the Electorate of the Palatinate. Six days later the public premiere took place at the Concert Spirituel venue. A positive review appeared in the Courrier de l'Europe issue dated the 26th of June. The article praised Mozart as one of the most able composers of his time. The work received further performances throughout 1779 and into 1780. It played again at the Burgtheater in Vienna on the 11th of March 1783. That concert benefited Mozart's sister-in-law Aloysia Weber.
Mozart utilized two flutes alongside two oboes and two clarinets in A. The score also calls for two bassoons, two horns, and two trumpets. Timpani and full string sections rounded out the ensemble. This marked his first symphony to include clarinet parts. Sadie notes that twenty-two violins, five violas, eight cellos, and five double basses performed at the premiere. Leopold Mozart observed that French audiences preferred noisy symphonies. The total number of string players remained unspecified in the written score. This large orchestra size was unprecedented for Mozart up to that point.
The symphony follows a fast-slow-fast structure without a minuet movement. Classical-era symphonies typically included a dance-like third movement. Mozart omitted this section entirely from the Paris Symphony. Two versions of the slow second movement survive today. An Andante replaced an original Andantino in 6/8 time later. Deutsch states the earlier version failed to please listeners. A sketch exists showing an even longer version of that Andantino movement. The work opens with a rising D major scale known as the Mannheim Rocket. Thematic development relies more on figures than traditional melodies.
Critics praised the piece immediately after its public debut. The Courrier de l'Europe published glowing remarks about the composer's abilities. Reviews highlighted vigorous tuttis and lively violin lines. Basses played active lines adding extra animation to the sound. The music featured relatively conventional thematic material compared to other works. Most working-out of ideas occurred during their initial presentation rather than through development. Audiences responded well enough for multiple repeat performances throughout 1779. The work remained popular enough to be listed in Sieber's catalog until 1788.
Jean-Georges Sieber released the first edition of the score in 1779. This publication may have been Mozart's very first symphony to appear in print. Copies were announced for sale starting the 20th of February 1779. The autograph manuscript now resides within the Berlin State Library alongside alternative movements. Sieber described the work as part of his repertoire between 1782 and 1788. It stands as a significant early example of Mozart's mature orchestral writing. The piece continues to be performed by students at institutions like the Royal College of Music today.
Common questions
When did Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart arrive in Paris to compose Symphony No. 31?
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart arrived in Paris during the year 1780 at the age of twenty-two.
Who commissioned the composition of Symphony No. 31 by W. A. Mozart?
Joseph Legros, an opera singer and impresario who served as director of the Concert Spirituel orchestra, commissioned a new symphony for him.
What date marked the public premiere of Symphony No. 31 (Mozart) at the Concert Spirituel venue?
The public premiere took place six days after the first private performance on the 12th of June 1778 inside Count Karl Heinrich Joseph von Sickingen's home.
Which instruments did Mozart utilize in the score for Symphony No. 31 (Mozart)?
Mozart utilized two flutes alongside two oboes and two clarinets in A along with two bassoons, two horns, and two trumpets.
Why does Symphony No. 31 (Mozart) lack a minuet movement compared to other classical-era symphonies?
Mozart omitted this section entirely from the Paris Symphony because he followed a fast-slow-fast structure without a minuet movement.