Mozart · Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Mozart Symphony No. 39 in E-flat major
Clarinets instead of oboes, the gentle first of the final trilogy
- Key
- E♭ major
- Composed
- 1788
- Duration
- about 28 min
- Movements
- 4 movements
- Instrumentation
- Woodwinds 1·0·2·2 · Brass 2·2·0·0 · Timpani · Strings
The story behind this piece
Completed on June 26, 1788, it is the first of the last three symphonies (Nos. 39, 40, and 41) that he wrote one after another within a few weeks that summer. It isn't known when it was performed during Mozart's lifetime.
With the oboes left out and clarinets added, the woodwind sound is much softer. The 1st movement begins with a majestic slow introduction.
What to listen for
- Introduction to the 1st movement: a stately introduction with brass and timpani
- 3rd movement, Trio: the clarinet solos a melody like a country dance
Listen · Score
Credits