Bianka Scott

Music 101
Professor Ran Dank
April 4, 2013

Mozarts Symphony No. 39 and 40 performed by Anima Eterna and lead by Jos Van Immerseel.

Mozarts Symphony No. 39 and 40 are beautifully played by Jos Van Immerseel and his
orchestra, Anima Eterna. I very much enjoyed this performance. Both pieces were extremely
impacting and well performed. I could clearly see many of the things that Mozart was famous for
portraying in these pieces.
The first movement of Symphony No. 39 which was Adagio opens with a majestic
introduction with displays heard in the brass section. This is followed by an Allegro in sonata
form, though while several features the loud outburst following the soft opening. The
independence of the winds and greater interaction of the parts in general. The Andante
movement, in abridged sonata form starts quietly in the strings and expands into the rest of the
orchestra. Quiet main material and energetic, somewhat agitated transitions characterize this
movement. The work has a very interesting minuet and trio. The trio features a clarinet solo. The
forceful Minuet is set off by the trio's unusual tint of the second clarinet playing low harmonies.
The finale is another sonata form whose main theme has a fluctuating dynamic, here ascending
and descending. This is a section that is dramatic; there is no conclusion, but both the account,
and the development through the end of the recap was repeated.
The first movement of Symphony No. 40 begins darkly, not with its first theme but with
accompaniment, played by the lower strings with divided violas in Allegro. The second
movement is Andante. The third movement which is a minuet begins with an angry rhythm. A
contrasting gentle section alternates the playing of the string section with that of the winds. The
fourth movement which is an Allegro opens with a series of rapid notes. The theme occurring in
this symphony is generally a dark, more violent theme than happy. It shows much emotion
coming from Mozart, adding to the great affect it has on audience aside from its beautiful
composition. The overall fast tempo of it is something that drew my attention.
I enjoyed listening to Symphony No 40 because it gives off a fun and warm vibe at times
sounding playful and fast but then it takes on a warmer and somewhat soothing ambiance at
other times. The pitch of the violins were so powerful and high. I believe this is because this
specific Symphony was composed and performed in G minor. The scale (major or minor), and
more specifically the 3rd note, determines whether the chords played will give off a brighter
cheerier sound, or a darker sadder sound. The symphony starts off with a repeating fast and quiet
back and forth sound by the violins, this is the beat. Then the melody kicks in, with a succession
of many pitches going at a very fast pace. After about 15 seconds the harmony is apparent and
starts to overpower the song. The harmony, which is a vertical relationship of two or more
pitches together, along with the melody which is a succession of pitches that stand out, create a
fast-pace and thrilling mood. From the beginning up until when the harmony and melody are
apparent, I feel as though I could be on a merry-go-round, starting off slow and eventually
reaching a very high speed. It evokes emotions of thrill including high speeds, even fear and
suspense, as if I was being chased by someone or something.
I would definitely recommend watching any live classical performance just because it
enhances the experience. You can really get a feel for the music and really absorb what is being
played. Even if it is not live but using surround sound makes the piece sound that much better
and clear.