Mozart: Symphony No. 3 [Ensemble PAN]

Conducted by Jee-hwan Kim, Ensemble PAN performs Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Symphony No. 3 in E-flat major, K. 18. This performance was recorded on October 31, 2012, at the Seoul Anglican Church of Korea.

Mozart’s Symphony No. 3

The piece was once attributed to Mozart, but by today’s scholarship, it is considered not to be Mozart’s own work but instead that of Carl Friedrich Abel, a leading German composer (he was also a renowned player of the viola da gamba, and composed important music for that instrument) of the earlier Classical period.

The piece was misattributed to Mozart because a manuscript score in the hand of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was categorized as his Symphony No. 3 in E flat, K. 18, and was published as such in the first complete edition of Mozart’s works by Breitkopf & Härtel.

Later, it was discovered that this symphony was actually the work of Abel, copied by the boy Mozart (evidently for study purposes) while he was visiting London in 1764. That symphony was originally published as the concluding work in Abel’s Six Symphonies, Op. 7. However, Mozart’s copy differs from Abel’s published score in that Mozart “substituted clarinets for the printed oboe parts.”

Movements

Mozart Symphony No. 4: French Chamber Orchestra, Horst Sohm

The work is in three movements:

1. Molto Allegro

The opening movement is energetic and lively, setting a bright and cheerful tone. It begins with a bold and confident theme introduced by the full orchestra, characterized by rapid scales and dynamic contrasts. The movement follows the sonata form, with a clear exposition, development, and recapitulation. The orchestration is vibrant, and the interplay between strings and winds adds depth and texture. The spirited tempo and buoyant rhythms keep the energy high, making this movement an engaging and compelling start to the symphony.

2. Andante

The second movement offers a serene and lyrical contrast to the opening. In a slower tempo, the Andante presents a gentle, flowing melody that allows for expressive phrasing and subtle dynamic shifts. The strings carry the main theme, supported by delicate contributions from the woodwinds. The movement’s structure is more relaxed, with a graceful dialogue between the instruments creating a peaceful and introspective atmosphere. The use of minor keys adds moments of poignancy, but the overall feel remains tender and reflective, showcasing the composer’s mastery in crafting beautiful, emotive slow movements.

3. Presto

The final movement is fast-paced and exuberant, bringing the symphony to an energetic conclusion. Marked by rapid passages and lively rhythms, the Presto is full of vitality and spirited orchestral interplay. The strings dominate with brisk, agile runs, while the winds add color and charm. The movement’s playful character is underscored by sudden dynamic shifts and syncopated rhythms, keeping the listener on their toes. The inventive use of melody and harmony ensures a thrilling ride to the symphony’s close, leaving a lasting impression of joy and brilliance.