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What is your favorite Mozart symphony?

Most people would agree that the last three symphonies of Mozart (no. 39 -41) would be his greatest symphonic compositions. But it is so interesting to realize the perspectives on this subject from conductors. In one interview, Karl Bohm stated that Symphony No. 9 in C major has the originality of some later great works. Another case is Eugen Jochum who performed Symphony No. 33 in B falt major (121 times) more than Symphony No.40 (60 times) or Symphony No. 41 (87 times) in his career.

It would be equally or more interesting to collect your opinions. What would be your favorite Mozart symphony? What would be your most admired performance/recording of that composition?

Happy Listening!

Otto
yu11375
jetrexpro
506 posts
 
35, 36, 39, 40, 41.

Although I prefer his operas, concerti and particularly love his string quintets. I have these on vinyl by The GRUMIAUX TRIO plus two players on a nice sounding Philips release.

His clarinet concerto--yes!
tubegroover
2,320 posts
 
My two favorites are the Haffner #35, and the Jupiter #41. Probably the most recognizable is the G Minor 40th, his only symphony in a minor key I believe which gives it a different feel from the rest. Agree with Jetxexpro they're all great from the 35th - 41st. Mozart's Symphonies are often overshadowed by Beethoven's however the last movement of the Jupiter is one of the most uplifting pieces of music I've ever heard. You have to imagine Beethoven was greatly inspired to follow-up in the manner he did as was Mozart inspired by Bach to write it and a great example of how music builds upon what came before.

Neville Marriner and the Academy of St Martins in the Field are excellent performances of these works and my favorite of the one's I have. I too would like some other recommendations, always looking for great performances of masterworks.
rja's avatar
rja
2,357 posts
 
I've never warmed to his symphonies but I enjoy his piano concertos very much. His clarinet concerto is also excellent.
schubert
7,386 posts
 
I imagine 41 will get the most votes,and rightly so.

My personal love is no. 36 "Linz" played by the definitive
Mozart Band, the Vienna Phil., with the Great Istvan Kertesz at the helm.
Various releases on Decca .
yu11375 OP
137 posts
 
My personal affection is No. 36 "Linz" as well.

However I was curious that Jochum performed No. 33 so many times in his career so I printed out the scores and listened to it with scores. I found that the second movement (andante moderato) is so profound. That stirred my interest to collect more recordings to see different readings of conductors.

Below is a list of my current collection for your reference:

Abendroth / Radio Symphony Orchestra / '56
Bohm / Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra / '66
Jochum / Bavarian Symphony Orchestra / '56
Jochum / Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam / '61
Jochum / Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam / '86
Erich Kleiber / West Deutsche Radio Symphony Orchestra / '53
Carlos Kleiber / Vienna Symphony Orchestra / '67
Carlos Kleiber / Bavarian State Orchestra / '96
Mravinsky / Leningrad Philharmonic Orchestra / '83
Klemperer / Philharmonic Orchestra / '62
Suitner / Dresden State State Orchestra / '75

Happy Listening!

Otto
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