Conducted by Carlos Kleiber, widely regarded as among the greatest conductors of all time, the Wiener Philharmoniker (Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra) performs Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Symphony No. 36 in C major, K. 425, also known as the Linz Symphony. This performance was recorded on October 6, 1991, at the Musikverein Wien.
Experience the brilliance of Carlos Kleiber, widely regarded as one of the greatest conductors of the 20th century, as he leads the orchestra in a breathtaking performance of Mozart’s Symphony No. 36, the “Linzer” Symphony. Known for his exceptional artistry and expressive conducting style, Kleiber brings out every nuance of this magnificent work. His gestures, both subtle and commanding, shape the music with unmatched elegance and precision.
In this performance, Kleiber’s phrasing is sublime, crafting a natural and flowing interpretation that resonates deeply with both the orchestra and the audience. His approach to conducting is often seen as a masterclass in leadership, with each movement of the baton illuminating the music’s essence.
This video not only highlights Kleiber’s brilliant interpretation but also features a digitally restored performance that enhances the clarity and beauty of both the picture and sound. Whether you’re a conductor, a classical music enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates Mozart’s genius, this performance stands as a testament to Kleiber’s unparalleled skill and the art of conducting.
Witness Kleiber’s unique ability to communicate with the orchestra through even the most minimal gestures, the flawless balance of precision and expressiveness that brings Mozart’s Symphony No. 36 to life, and a rare insight into Kleiber’s distinctive style of musical leadership, admired by audiences worldwide.
Mozart’s Symphony No. 36
Mozart’s Symphony No. 36 in C major, K. 425, also known as the Linz Symphony, was composed during a brief stay in the Austrian town of Linz in late 1783. The symphony was written in a remarkably short span of just four days, after the local count heard of Mozart’s arrival and promptly announced a concert in his honor. This performance, which took place on November 4, 1783, marked the premiere of the symphony.
The composition was later performed in Vienna on April 1, 1784. The Linz Symphony stands out not only for its quick creation but also for its grandeur and sophistication, reflecting Mozart’s ability to craft a fully realized work under tight constraints. While the autograph score of the symphony was not preserved, a set of parts was later sold by Mozart to the Fürstenberg court in Donaueschingen in 1786. This symphony, written at a time when Mozart was traveling between Salzburg and Vienna, showcases his mastery in orchestration and thematic development, with moments of boldness and expressiveness.
Despite the rushed composition process, the Linz Symphony remains a highly regarded work in Mozart’s symphonic output, highlighting his ingenuity and skill in creating a polished and dynamic piece in a brief period. The symphony’s vibrant character reflects the festive mood of its origins and Mozart’s ability to meet the demands of both the occasion and his audience.
Movements
Every movement except the minuet is in sonata form. With start times in the video:
- 00:00 Adagio – Allegro spiritoso
- 10:30 Andante
- 17:50 Menuetto
- 21:44 Finale: Presto
1. Adagio – Allegro spiritoso
The first movement of Mozart’s Symphony No. 36 in C major (K. 425), marked Adagio – Allegro spiritoso, opens with an expressive, lyrical Adagio introduction, establishing a sense of grandeur before transitioning into the lively Allegro spiritoso section. The movement’s character shifts dramatically from the slow and solemn to the fast-paced and joyful, full of energy and dynamic contrasts. The Allegro is marked by its buoyant, spirited themes, and Mozart’s masterful use of orchestration enhances the movement’s sense of brilliance and joy.
One notable feature of this movement is its brief quotation of the famous Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah during the exposition. This reference to a well-known work of the time adds a sense of playful grandeur, reflecting Mozart’s awareness of his contemporaries and his ability to incorporate such influences with subtlety and wit. This homage to Handel gives the movement an extra layer of depth, showing Mozart’s cleverness and sense of humor.
The Allegro spiritoso section is characterized by its light, dance-like quality, featuring brilliant orchestral passages and joyful, syncopated rhythms. The movement encapsulates the joyful, celebratory nature of the Linz Symphony, blending both elegance and exuberance in a masterful opening to the work.
2. Andante
The second movement of Mozart’s Symphony No. 36 in C major (K. 425), marked Andante, presents a serene and graceful contrast to the energetic first movement. The movement adopts a siciliano character, a style often associated with a gentle, rhythmic lilt and a 6/8 meter. This choice of meter and character was rare in Mozart’s earlier symphonies, with its only prior use in one of the slow movements of his Paris Symphony (K. 297). However, the siciliano would later become a hallmark of Mozart’s style, appearing in works such as Symphony No. 38 (“Prague”) and Symphony No. 40.
In this movement, Mozart captures a lyrical and almost dance-like quality, with a melody that feels both elegant and wistful. The strings take the lead with a delicate, flowing theme, while the woodwinds and horns provide rich harmonic support. The simplicity of the siciliano rhythm combined with the beautifully ornamented melody evokes a sense of calm and refinement.
The Andante is a deeply expressive movement, allowing the orchestra to showcase its dynamic range from soft, intimate passages to more expansive, sweeping moments. This movement stands as a beautiful, lyrical moment in the Linz Symphony, highlighting Mozart’s evolving mastery of orchestral textures and his ability to evoke a variety of emotional landscapes within a single work.
3. Menuetto
The third movement of Mozart’s Symphony No. 36 in C major (K. 425), the Menuetto, follows a classical ternary form and provides a lively, dance-like atmosphere. The Menuetto section is characterized by its graceful and elegant theme, with the strings leading the melody, creating a refined, courtly feel. Mozart’s use of the Menuetto is typical of the Classical period, evoking a sense of nobility and grace, while also offering a playful contrast with the preceding movements.
The Trio section provides a contrasting, more intimate mood, with oboes, bassoons, and strings blending in a delicate, lyrical melody. This section is notably graceful, and its lighter texture offers a refreshing break from the more structured Menuetto. It is often in the Trio where Mozart’s skill in orchestration shines, balancing the winds and strings to create a soft, yet intricate, musical dialogue. After the Trio, the Menuetto returns, creating a sense of symmetry and balance typical of the movement.
The Menuetto in this symphony is a beautiful example of Mozart’s ability to maintain elegance and wit, combining both lightness and sophistication in his orchestration. While the Menuetto serves as a pleasant interlude between the slower second movement and the fast-paced finale, it also reflects the overall brilliance of the Linz Symphony, demonstrating Mozart’s mastery of form and expression.
4. Finale: Presto
The fourth movement of Mozart’s Symphony No. 36 in C major (K. 425), marked Finale: Presto, brings the symphony to a lively and exuberant conclusion. The movement is fast-paced and full of energy, reflecting Mozart’s typical brilliance in writing finales. It opens with a bold and crisp theme, introduced by the strings and quickly shared with the oboes. This opening theme sets the tone for the entire movement, full of bustling, quick musical ideas that unfold in rapid succession.
The Finale showcases Mozart’s ability to maintain momentum while incorporating thematic development. A dynamic transition theme follows the opening, which is later developed with greater intensity as the movement progresses. The secondary subject introduces a playful, dance-like quality, further enhancing the movement’s lively character. Throughout, the orchestra engages in brilliant exchanges, with orchestral layers shifting between strings, winds, and brass, creating a rich and varied texture.
The movement is marked by Mozart’s use of contrast, moving between softer, more delicate passages and bold, triumphant moments. The energetic pace and thematic complexity reflect the composer’s mastery of orchestration, and the Presto tempo provides a thrilling finish to the symphony. The Finale is an exhilarating close to the Linz Symphony, wrapping up the work with a sense of joy and brilliance, demonstrating Mozart’s unparalleled ability to combine excitement with formal structure.
Sources
- Symphony No. 36 (Mozart) on Wikipedia
- Symphony No. 36 in C major, K. 425 (Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus) on the International Music Score Library website
- “Symphony No. 36 in C Major, K. 425 (“Linz”), Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart” on the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s website
- “Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Symphony No. 36 in C Major (“Linz”), K. 425″ on the Boston Baroque Orchestra’s website
