SYMPHONY NO.29 IN A MAJOR, K.201

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)



I. Allegro moderato
II. Adante
III. Menuetto
IV. Allegro con spirito

The piece was completed in Salzburg in April of 1774.
The character of this symphony is created by two main factors; the adoption of chamber music style orchestration consisting of two oboes, two horns and a string ensemble, and the use of A major in which Mozart often wrote fluent melodies.

The subtle second movement is the most beautiful and elegant passage, but we also appreciate the noble taste of the minuet in the third movement. The last movement revives the characteristics of the first movement in a more lighthearted and lively way, leading to the dramatic climax. With its excellent overall composition, the piece is one of the best works of Mozart from his early days.

In “Symphony No.29 in A major,” Mozart frequently incorporate bright and happy melodies and harmonies reminiscent of Italian music, which he tactfully mixes with the Austrian style. He also attempts a fusion between symphony and chamber music styles, to open up new possibilities.