Tuesday, February 1, 2022

CLIII. MOZART, Wolfgang Amadeus: Symphony #16 in C Major, K. 128

CLIII. MOZART, Wolfgang Amadeus (1756-1791)

Symphony #16 in C Major, K. 128 (1772)
1. Allegro maestoso
2. Andante grazioso
3. Allegro
Downtown Sinfonietta
Vincent Lionti, cond.
(12:12)

First of all, this small ensemble is perfect for Early Mozart. He was 16 when he composed this -- and, looking carefully, one can discern all the wonderful things in his music which would blossom as he aged.

It's hard to imagine that at this point, he had already lived about half of his lifetime.

**

The symphonic form at this point resembled what is called the Italian overture -- three movements: fast/slow/fast.

Notice how Mozart -- using 8th-note triplets -- gives the initial music the feeling of a lilting 9/8 rhythm (arrow) ...






















but he soon removes the triplets to reveal the true time signature, 3/4 (arrow):






















The slow movement -- for strings alone -- is strikingly delicate and lovely. Notice the change of mood with the introduction of stacatto (eyeglasses) and then the quick figures trading off in the violins (green eyeball) ...

The third movement is a typical rondo, with a shift to the relative A Minor in the middle.


















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