Mozart's Symphonies: Definitive Number & Listing

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the number of symphonies composed by Mozart, with participants exploring various interpretations of what constitutes a "symphony." The conversation includes references to different sources, including websites and catalogues, and touches on the classification of Mozart's works, including juvenile compositions and other forms of music.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the count of Mozart's symphonies could include juvenile symphonettas or lost works, leading to numbers beyond the commonly cited 41.
  • One participant mentions that the Academy of Ancient Music recorded all works that could be considered symphonies, arriving at a total of 66 or 67.
  • Another participant points out that Mozart did not assign canonical numbers to his symphonies, which complicates the counting.
  • There are references to different sources, including Wikipedia and specific websites, that provide varying counts of Mozart's symphonies, with some suggesting 55 or more.
  • Several participants express personal preferences for other composers and styles of music over Mozart's symphonies, indicating a subjective view on the relevance of his works.
  • Discussion includes a mention of the influence of composers like Buxtehude on later musicians, including Bach, which reflects on the broader context of classical music appreciation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the exact number of Mozart's symphonies, with multiple competing views presented regarding what should be counted as a symphony. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the definitive count and classification of his works.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the classification of Mozart's works can vary based on definitions and interpretations of what constitutes a symphony, leading to uncertainty in the total count. Some works originally categorized as divertimentos or serenades may also be included in different counts.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in classical music, particularly those exploring Mozart's compositions and the classification of symphonic works, may find this discussion relevant.

  • #31
fourier jr said:
yeah I've got the version by leonhardt/kuijken/kuijken, etc. it sounds pretty dry, like art of fugue
A Musical Offering is something I only just heard for the first time last year. I was intrigued and want to give it more attention at some point. (Leonhardt, incidently, is my least favorite interpreter of Bach.)
 
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  • #32
The Bob said:
I know. I was just saying incase more people had a look at this thread. :smile:

The Bob (2004 ©)

well in that case:
bach (anything but esp cello suites)
beethoven (not the symphonies)
handel (just water music & royal fireworks music)
locatelli
biber
heinichen
schmelzer
telemann
geminiani
vivaldi (absolutely not the 4 seasons)
marini
veracini
latin-american guitar like lauro, ponce, barrios-mangore, villa-lobos & rodrigo.
 
  • #33
fourier jr said:
well in that case:
Cheers. Really appreciate it. :smile:

The Bob (2004 ©)
 

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