Classical Works Spotlight #550--Mozart 29

[erik]

Mozart's 29th Symphony is in this week's Classical Works Spotlight, a work that continues the building of a symphonic tradition that had really started to blossom four works earlier in this symphonic canon.

Mozart: SYMPHONY NO. 29 IN A MAJOR, K. 201

After the “Little G Minor” (#25), it can be argued that the 29th Symphony was really the first evidence that Mozart was becoming a full-fledged expert at symphonic writing along the lines of his good friend Franz Joseph Haydn. This was also the middle work of three symphonies (the other two being #28 [K. 200] and #30 (K. 202]) that he composed consecutively in a six-month period between November 1773 and May 1774 in his hometown of Salzburg. With orchestration that is light in nature (two oboes; two horns; full string compliment), the work accentuates many of the qualities that Mozart believed in. The shape of the work shows him experimenting with rhythmic vitality in the opening movement, the subsequent Menuetto and spirited finale, while the slow movement, marked “Andante”, is uniquely Mozart. In terms of symphonic writing, this was his way of bidding goodbye to Salzburg, which didn’t seem to have much use for a native son who would eventually become one of the most important figures in Western music history. Following the completion of this symphony and its D Major follow-up (#30), Mozart would not compose in the symphonic form for another three years, after a disastrous trip to Paris in 1776 would lead to the composition of the “Paris” Symphony (#31). Nevertheless, the 29th Symphony was an instant success for Mozart; and it remains a favorite of many orchestras, symphonic and chamber alike, all over the world.



Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra/JAMES DEPREIST (Delos)

Included:
SYMPHONY NO. 4 IN D MAJOR, K. 19
SYMPHONY NO. 5 IN B FLAT MAJOR, K. 22

[egoodstein]

On of my favorite 'early' Mozart symphonies. It's sprightly and interesting and does have one of the best/most memorable 'Andante' movements as you say. I forgot there was that 3 year gap between no. 30 and 31-- certainly quite a different focus in the later symphonies, but earlier ones are still very worthwhile. He always seemed to have the most amazing way of holding both light and heavier elements in balance, and wizardry in expressing them. Don't know this recording, but have very high respect for both DePriest and the LACO, so imagine a very fine album.

[erik]

I think this recording dates from the early 1980s, at a time when DePreist had just assumed the role of music director of the Oregon Symphony (where he would remain for a whopping twenty-five years). It shows not only his own comfort with Mozart, but also this particular orchestra (where Gerard Schwarz was the music director), which is one of the best chamber orchestras anywhere in the world. The 29th Symphony is a work that suits L.A.C.O. to a tee (IMHO).