The symphonies vol. III : Salzburg 1772-1773

Abstract

The Syrohonies of 1772-73 The 1 symphonies presented here, written betweenhe time that Mozart was 16 years, 2 months <<J and the time that he was 17 years, 8 month, may be divided into 3 groups: 4 symphoies (K.130-134) written in Salzburg before Pbzart's third trip to Italy, 2 having connectins with both Salzburg and Italy (K.135, 41a), and 5 more written after the return ome (K.161a, 161b, 162, 162b, 173dA).The 11 symphonies may also be divided ito two groups: Germanic concert-symphoies with minuets and repeated sectionsi all movements, each lasting around 20 to 25iinutes (K. 130, 132, 133, 134, 161b); and Italnate overture-symphonies, without minuetsand mostly without repeats, each lasting <>und 8 or 9 minutes. (K. 135, 141a, 161a, 16, 162b, 173dA). The 3 movements of the Italiiate overture symphonies are usually linked ^ incomplete cadences and played withoubause, and the third movement is often bed upon a transformation of the openingof the first movement at a faster tempo. None of the symphonies of 1772-73 were printed during Mozart's lifetime, although they are easily the equals of hundreds of symphonies which did issue from the presses. It might appear that this was the result of a deliberate policy, for in 1778 Leopold Mozart wrote to Wolfgang that'. . . I have not given any of your symphonies to be copied, because I knew in advance that when you were older and had more insight, you would be glad that no-one had got hold of them, though at the time you composed them you were quite pleased with them. One gradually becomes more and more fastidious'. Leopold's remarks, however, may have been hypocritical, for in 1772 he had written to the Leipzig publisher J. G. I. Breitkopf, 'Should you wish to print any of my son's compositions . . . you have only to state what you consider most suitable. He could let you have [various compositions including] symphonies for two violins, viola, two horns, two oboes or transverse flutes, and bass'. And again 3 years later: As I decided some time ago to have some of my son's compositions printed, I should like you to let me know as soon as possible whether you would like to publish some of them, that is symphonies [and various other works]'. The symphonies offered to Breitkopf must be among those here recorded. But Mozart's symphonies were not to appear in the Breitkopf catalogue until 1785-87, and then only in editions purchased from other publishers.