Mozart, Symphony No.

40 in g minor, first movement

I thought this piece was intense, with very fast tempo. It sounded like much of it forte,

maybe even fortissimo at some points. There were moments it calmed down for a moment, only

to be pulled back into loud and intense music. The main theme was had an upbeat, nervous

sounding tone to it. The second theme is a bit more graceful, and studious. I liked it! I like that

melody is intense and serious. I can mainly hear the strings like violins cellos, but also the

woodwinds like flutes and clarinets.

This is in sonata form. It is sonata because it in ABA and each section acts in a specific

way. The first section is the exposition. Here the piece introduces the tonic key that the main

theme is played in. This first theme is often repeated to further solidify its presence, which is

something this piece does right off the bat before the bridge transitions to a second theme. Then a

cadence theme closes out the exposition. In this piece the whole exposition repeats after the

cadence theme.

The next section is the development. To my understanding, this is like no man’s land.

Anything can happen. In this piece they play the first theme intensely. The book describes it as

the themes being “developed” through a consider amount of tension.

The last section is recapitulation. This is reminiscent of the exposition, except both

themes are played in the same key if I understand correctly. It is supposed to convey a since

resolution or relief. Lastly, a coda section is often included at the end as a conclusion to wrap

things up.
 This symphony was composed in 1788 from a 32-year-old Mozart. It was written in

tandem with No. 39 and No. 41 during the summer of 1788. These were his last symphonies that

he composed. Some people believe this one was written specifically as his final work; however

other people disagree with that theory. It was written shortly after his daughter passed away,

which may provide reason for it’s more serious tone.

Schwarm, Betsy. “Symphony No. 40 in G Minor, K. 550.” Encyclopædia Britannica,

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., www.britannica.com/topic/Symphony-No-40-in-G-Minor.

Keays, James. “About MOZART's Symphony No. 40 in G Minor, K. 550.” Redlands Symphony,
www.redlandssymphony.com/pieces/symphony-no-40-in-g-minor-k-550.

Kerman, Joseph, et al. Listen. 9th ed., Bedford/St. Martin's, 2019.