Mozart’s World: The Last Symphonies tickets

Through the summer of 1788 Mozart was consumed in a burst of inspiration, composing three remarkable symphonies that turned out to be his last.

Grand in tone and scale for the time, collectively, these works reflect an invincible spirit and optimistic drive that inspired Mozart to continue creating brilliant music, despite the gloomy personal circumstances he faced.

Whether by chance or design the sense of the three symphonies belonging together is enhanced by their contrasting dispositions and subtle tonal relationships. No.39 (in E flat major) with its majestic opening and courtly ambience contrasts with the darker ‘sturm und drang’ era energy of No.40 (something it shares with his earlier G minor symphony, No.26).

The name Jupiter for Symphony No.41 seems fitting for what is not only Mozart’s longest symphony with the largest orchestration, but also its sheer magnificence. In the finale we find Mozart at his most confident and dramatic, commanding his powers in that inimitable way that blurs the line between humanity and divinity.