Conducted by Ton Koopman, the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra performs Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Symphony No. 19 in E flat major, K. 132. This performance was recorded at the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre on June 5, 1991. The Symphony No. 19 was composed in July 1772, when Mozart was only 16 years old.
Mozart’s Symphony No. 19
Mozart’s Symphony No. 19 in E-flat major, K. 132, is one of his early symphonies, composed in 1772 when he was just sixteen years old. This symphony showcases Mozart’s burgeoning talent and mastery of classical form, blending lively and graceful melodies with sophisticated orchestration. It reflects the influence of the Italian style, which Mozart had been exposed to during his travels.
The symphony is noted for its energetic and vibrant character, with intricate interplay between the strings and winds, demonstrating Mozart’s early command of symphonic writing and his ability to create compelling and dynamic musical narratives.
Movements
There are four movements with an alternative slow movement. With the starting times in the video:
- 00:00 Allegro, E♭ major, 4/4
- 04:45 Andante, B♭ major, 3/8
- 10:20 Minuetto & trio, E♭ major-C minor, 3/4
- 18:19 Molto Allegro, E♭ major, 2/2
1. Allegro
The first movement of Mozart’s Symphony No. 19 is marked Allegro and is written in sonata form. This movement begins with a bold and lively theme introduced by the full orchestra, setting an energetic and cheerful tone. The development section explores the main theme through various keys and orchestral textures, showcasing Mozart’s inventive harmonic progressions and the interplay between the strings and woodwinds. The recapitulation brings back the initial theme, maintaining the movement’s spirited character, and concludes with a robust coda, leaving a lasting impression of youthful exuberance and compositional skill.
2. Andante
The second movement of Mozart’s Symphony No. 19 is marked Andante. It contrasts the lively first movement with a more lyrical and serene character. The strings predominantly carry the melodic line, with delicate and expressive phrases that convey a sense of calm and introspection. The woodwinds provide gentle harmonic support and occasional solo passages, adding to the movement’s overall texture and depth. This movement showcases Mozart’s ability to create beautiful, singing lines that evoke an intimate and reflective atmosphere, highlighting his mastery of orchestral color and emotional expression.
3. Menuetto
The third movement of Mozart’s Symphony No. 19 is marked Menuetto. It brings a lively and elegant contrast to the previous movements with its dance-like character. The minuet’s stately rhythm and charming melodies are typical of classical dance forms, featuring graceful phrasing and a balanced structure. The trio section, which traditionally provides contrast, often incorporates lighter, more playful themes, and delicate instrumentation. This movement showcases Mozart’s skill in creating sophisticated, yet accessible, music that captures the listener’s attention through its rhythmic vitality and melodic charm.
4. Molto allegro
The fourth movement of Mozart’s Symphony No. 19 is marked Molto Allegro. This movement is characterized by its fast tempo and vivacious energy, serving as an exuberant finale to the symphony. It begins with a lively and bright theme that sets the tone for the movement, followed by various contrasting sections that showcase Mozart’s playful and inventive musical style. The orchestration is full and dynamic, with intricate passages that display the virtuosity of the orchestra. This movement encapsulates the joy and brilliance of Mozart’s early symphonic work, leaving a lasting impression of spirited exuberance.
Sources
- Symphony No. 19 (Mozart) on Wikipedia
- Symphony No. 19 in E-flat major, K.132 (Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus) on the International Music Score Library Project website
