Mozart composed his three last symphonies – or at least finished them – in the short span of six weeks in June-August 1788. In spite of the ceaseless flow of his musical output, he had composed no symphonies during the preceding two years, nor was he to write any in the following three, the last years of his life.

The three symphonies reflect very different moods, the darkest being No. 40. It is almost as if the tragedy of this symphony saw its resolution only the in triumph of No. 41. The nickname "Jupiter" is a late addition in an unknown hand, inspired probably by the majestic-sounding first movement. 

Unlike No. 40, this symphony breaks no new ground either in form or content; its greatness lies not with its novelty but with its classic elegance. Despite the fact that Mozart composed 41 symphonies, this was not the vehicle he chose as an outlet for his greatest creative inspirations; many of the symphonies were among his earliest compositions. Haydn, on the other hand, was constantly tweaking the form throughout his long life to make each symphony different or innovative – often even quirky. 

Of particular interest in Symphony No. 41 is Mozart’s use of the four-note opening motive of the final movement, which he then develops into a complex fugue. Mozart was partial to this motive and had previously used it in two masses and his B-flat Symphony K. 319 (No. 33). Other composers, mostly notably Felix Mendelssohn, used the motive as well, either in imitation of or tribute to the composer who was valued more after his death than during his lifetime.

Program notes by:
Joseph & Elizabeth Kahn
Wordpros@mindspring.com
www.wordprosmusic.com