Conducted by Horst Sohm, the French Chamber Orchestra (Orchestre de Chambre Français) performs Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Symphony No. 4 in D major, K. 19. Mozart composed this symphony in London when he was only 9 years old, during his family’s Grand Tour of Europe in 1765. Recorded during the Festival L’Escala 2015.
Performers
- Violins: Irma Huvet, Christian Raverdel, Catherine Bastien, Marta Garcia Patos
- Dan Danilescu, Cristine Massetti, Julien Bezias
- Violas: Florence Guenet, Agahte Hemmo,
- Violoncellos: Julie Gross, Pilar Rueda Rodriguez
- C. Basso: Noelia Grau Marmol
- Oboe: Pauline Malbaux, Mariano Esteban
- Horn/trompa: Marc Garcia Anguera, Daniel Floria Lopez
- Horst Sohm (Director/Conductor)
Mozart’s Symphony No. 4
Mozart’s Symphony No. 4 in D major, K. 19, is a fascinating early work composed during his family’s extensive European tour, likely between 1765 and 1766. Mozart was only nine years old when he wrote this symphony, yet it already demonstrates his remarkable talent and understanding of musical form. During this tour, organized by his father Leopold to showcase Wolfgang and his sister Nannerl’s musical gifts, the family traveled to major cultural centers, including London, where young Mozart met Johann Christian Bach, the youngest son of Johann Sebastian Bach.
This meeting left a lasting impression on Mozart’s developing style, as Bach’s symphonic approach and Italian-influenced compositions became influential models for him. While originally attributed to Mozart, Symphony No. 3 in E-flat (K. 18) was later found to be by Carl Friedrich Abel, revealing how closely Mozart’s early style resembled that of his influences.
Symphony No. 4 was most likely composed in The Hague, after the family left London, though its style and structure are rooted in the Italian overture form, with a three-movement layout typical of the time. Scored for two horns, two oboes, and strings, it reflects the standard orchestration of the period.
Each movement showcases Mozart’s grasp of structure and melody, with the symphony’s overall tone being light and energetic. Though simple compared to his later works, it is a charming piece that highlights the young Mozart’s burgeoning creativity and ability to assimilate influences while crafting his own voice.
- Allegro: The first movement opens with a bold, fanfare-like motif that immediately grabs the listener’s attention. This theme sets a lively and formal tone, characteristic of early Classical style. Mozart develops the theme with spirited energy, maintaining a brisk tempo throughout. The orchestration is bright, led by the strings with support from horns and oboes, creating a balanced texture. Although brief, this movement is structured with clear thematic development, showing Mozart’s early grasp of symphonic form and his ability to create memorable, engaging music.
- Andante: The second movement, set in G major, presents a softer, more lyrical contrast to the opening Allegro. It features a drone accompaniment, evoking a pastoral scene that reflects Mozart’s sensitivity to creating mood through harmony. The strings carry a gentle melody, while the horns and oboes provide a warm backdrop. The pacing is slower and more relaxed, offering a delicate balance to the symphony’s lively outer movements and demonstrating Mozart’s early skill at varying emotional expression within a single work.
- Presto: The final movement, in D major, is an energetic jig that brings the symphony to an upbeat close. This Presto is characterized by its lively tempo and dance-like rhythm, which give it a joyful, almost playful character. The movement follows a two-part structure, allowing Mozart to introduce contrasting themes while keeping the energy high. The spirited exchanges between the strings and winds capture the essence of a lively dance, leaving the audience with an impression of youthful exuberance and wit as the symphony concludes.
Sources
- Symphony No. 4 (Mozart) on Wikipedia
- Mozart – Symphony No. 4 in D major, K. 19 on the Presto Music website
- “Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Symphony No. 4 in D major, K. 19” on the All Music website
