Symphony No. 41 in C Major (Jupiter Symphony), K. 551
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Work background
Researched classical background
Mozart's last symphony combines ceremonial gestures with graceful lyricism and a finale famous for its contrapuntal craft. Small musical ideas that first seem straightforward are made to coexist in increasingly elaborate combinations. The work belongs to the same concentrated period as Symphonies 39 and 40. Jupiter is a later nickname, so it should not be treated as a mythological scenario supplied by Mozart.
A listening guide
In the finale, listen for short ideas returning together rather than only one after another.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Orchestra
Composition: 1788
The last of Mozart's three symphonies completed in the summer of 1788.
This entry describes the musical work or cycle. Composition, premiere and publication dates describe different events. Performers and recordings can be explored through the external listening search.
Also known as: Jupiter Symphony
Date, title and version notes
The Jupiter nickname was not supplied by Mozart.
Symphony No. 41, "Jupiter" - LA Phil
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Symphony No. 41, "Jupiter" - LA Phil
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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