Symphony No. 40 in G Minor, K. 550
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Work background
Researched classical background
Mozart's G-minor symphony belongs to the three symphonies he completed in the summer of 1788. Its opening melody begins over an already moving accompaniment rather than a grand ceremonial introduction. A later revision adds clarinets and adjusts the wind writing. Across the four movements, the minor-key character is sustained through contrasting textures, with the minuet offering forceful rather than merely decorative dance rhythms.
A listening guide
Compare recordings of the original and revised scorings to hear how the woodwind colors change.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Orchestra
Composition: 1788
Completed in July 1788; Mozart later revised the scoring to include clarinets.
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.
Date, title and version notes
The original and revised orchestrations differ, particularly in their use of clarinets.
Symphony No. 40 in G Minor, K. 550 - 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. 40 in G Minor, K. 550 - 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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