The "Amadeus Theme" - Mozart's Symphony No. 25
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- Опубліковано 21 лис 2023
- Homework by teenagers, especially when writing exercises after a model, tends to be rather uninspired and academic. Mozart’s Symphony No. 25 in G minor, K. 183, written in 1773 when he was 17 and a keen student of Haydn’s symphonies, was modelled after Haydn’s G minor symphony - both employ four horns rather than the usual two. Using pairs of horns in B-flat and G meant a wider range of chromatic notes otherwise unavailable, and four horns give a thicker texture to the dark key. However, K. 183 is anything but a dry and compose-by-rote composition.
The first movement is marked Allegro con brio, and what vigour it is - a splendid fiery falling diminished seventh sets a scene of jagged dramatic tension, a sturm und drang earworm at its best. Listeners may recognise its use in the opening scene of the Miloš Forman film "Amadeus". Violins provide a syncopated rain of fire, while the driving bassline takes on a melodic function like
tidal waves pushing things forward rather than just harmonic accompaniment.
Singapore Symphony Orchestra
Hans Graf, Music Director
Recorded on 7 April 2022 at the Esplanade Concert Hall, Singapore.
Video and Audio: msm productions (Singapore)
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Cover: Mozart Playing the Violin, painting by Jean Louis Ernest Meissonier (1815-1891).
When he was seventeen, Mozart wrote one of his two symphonies in G minor, K. 183. Fifteen years later he would again choose this key, one which often had been associated with lament or tragedy for his fortieth Symphony, K. 550. For this reason, the first has often been called « the little g minor ». This first movement (Allegro con brio) starts with fast nervous syncopations on a repeated note in violins and violas while an oboe holds steadily on four long held tones. The effect is pure sturm und drang with its immediate pace, nervousness, and intensity. Adding to the drama, there is a sudden stop before the strings resume their quick syncopations and the oboe sings a mournful tune, with added horn pairs interjecting a fanfare. A jagged first theme emerges from the strings with rough accompaniment. Order finally enters with a bouncing tune, introduced by the strings. The exposition per classical « rules » is repeated. The development keeps up the fast momentum, and accelerates leading to a momentary reprieve with winds softly singing a beautiful contrasting subject. The recapitulation restores the intensity, boldly driving the movement to a brisk close. Music gives meaning to sound, from meaning to sound, is born emotion. *Lucien*
Soul-stirring music! Thank you.
Merci pour ce moment extraordinaire. J'aime Mozart.
Maestro Graf is incredible! Looking forward to hearing a lot more Mozart from him and SSO :-)
Heavenly. Just heavenly...
🔥 horns!
Where are all the younger musicians? Too many middle age musicians in the group.