Magnificent Counterpoint in Mozart's Prague Symphony (Mvt. 1)

[@applin121]

This was the greatest symphony yet written. Mozart’s development as a symphonist was truly spectacular

[@thejils1669]

It is so awe-inspiring to think that without all of the collections of musical instruments that comprise a typical symphony orchestra, each instrument with its own musical footprint, complex contrapuntal musical compositions such as this one from Mozart would be impossible. Which is why in the grand scheme of things symphony orchestras rule the music world.

[@johnchessant3012]

23:17 This oboe and flute part is gorgeous! (Also, the high number of colors never disappoints)

[@psimonchess]

Extraordinary analysis of one of the most beautiful symphonies written by Mozart!! To me always this movement of Mozart reminds me of 1º movement of Beethoven’s 7th Symphony, I would not know how to say why, perhaps his cadence, the use of timbales, I have no knowledge of music theory, it is just an appreciation. Congratulations on this magnificent work!!

[@LukeZX4]

I never realized you made a video covering this movement! I heard it semi-recently for the first time live and the impression it left was deep and long-lasting. The entire second subject has to be one of my favourite things Mozart wrote. The developmental intensity and complexity matches Jupiter, and that dominant pedal point in the climax is absolutely insane. Thanks!

[@matthiasl.6551]

I was listening to this symphony last week, thinking "for sure, Richard Atkinson must have done a video on it, the 1st mvt is literally nothing but counterpoint!" And lo and behold...

[@threethrushes]

Woke up in Prague. Sun is shining. Listening to another music theory video. Day gon be lit af boy.

[@johnchessant3012]

Callbacks to 4 previous videos! the Marvel movies must be envying this interconnectedness :D

[@beachcomber4141]

I have next to no knowledge of music theory, but I have thought for years this is one of Mozart's heaviest most powerful musical inventions. It just really 'howls' at points. There was something very heavy on Mozart's mind that he expressed on this piece. I had an intuition that this music has something to do with his Father. (It was written just months before his fathers death) I cannot say exactly why I feel that, but there was something in it that made me think of my own father. It expresses some harrowing battle in the soul, but ends up being such an ode to perseverance. I could listen to this counterpoint development on repeat for hours and get chills every time. Thank you for posting this. It is fascinating to see the written notes be broken down by the different themes and how it transforms into such 'magnificent' music expressing the light after the dark. I really admire your video's helping break down such fantastic music!

[@giobrach]

That spicy deceptive cadence at 17:14...

[@David-il9xw]

“It seemed to me that I was hearing the voice of God.” As always, Atkinson is the consummate educator in our quest for the divine.

[@polyphoniac]

He's had a lot of practice getting to the bottom of things. How many here know that he is assistant medical examiner for the state of Massachusetts?

[@David-il9xw]

@@polyphoniac I did not.

[@bolanddewsnap5698]

It’s an Amadeus reference..

[@donalfonso2]

Dear Mr. Atkinson, Although I lack formal musical knowledge, I deeply resonate with your explanations of Mozart's music. I experience the same emotional nuances and profound moments that you describe, much like when conductor J.E. Gardiner speaks of certain parts of Figaro being tear-jerkers. This profound connection can only be explained by the idea that "The Spirit breathes where He will, and you hear His voice, but you do not know from where He comes and where He goes." Thank you for bringing such depth and understanding to Mozart's masterpieces. Greetings from Serbia

[@einarkristjansson6812]

Dear Mr. Atkinson. I listen but are uneducated in music. You open it all for me although I don't read notes. I knew this work but did not realize how magnificent it is. Thank you.

[@mozessiwang7751]

I just can’t describe how excited I am . Prague symphony is the one that leads me to the music theory and lets me to understand the complexity of the musical structure. In my point of view . Prague symphony has the qualification that compared with the last three symphonies of Mozart.

[@antoineduchamp4931]

What an incredible master-class you have just given me. I am amazed. If only Herr Mozart were here he would be delighted that you portrayed in the inner workings of his genius to such a wide audience... I have listened to the Prague for 50 years, and only now do I realise how little I know of its structure. Thank you very much.

[@JacobCollins123]

Amazing analysis of an incredible piece of music. I’m always excited when you upload, especially when it pertains to Mozart. Thank you!

[@gabriellopezperez7363]

Great video! By the way, i hope you talk one day about the overture of the magic flute, the use of trombones, the counterpoint, the sounds, the big orchestra, theres so much to talk about his best overture!

[@neilwalsh3977]

Thomas Goss points out how Mozart often loves flute/bassoon octave doublings

[@kmk8284]

I love this symphony for some other reason than most. The rhythmic feel of the first movement reminds me of ethnic dances from my province. It judt reminds me of home so much.

[@qtaroj]

I already watched this twice, what a joy. Prague symphony was always one of those works I couldn't quite follow, turns out it was just way too complicated and I needed some guidance! Thank you so much (fan from Taiwan)

[@amse9297]

Richard, please do the first movement of Mozart's String Quintet K.515. As you surely know, there's some interesting counterpoint in the stunningly beautiful development section of that movement, but the abundance of themes and the length of that movement are remarkable. You'd probably run out of colors highlighting the themes. :D

[@wolfgangmichalke3743]

As a lover of classical music I already listened to so many of your exhilarating und unbelievably meticulous and thoughful discussions of classical music so that I can truthfully say that I have learned more about classical music and counterpoint from your channel than from most books I have ever read! This time it struck me like a lightning: I have been listing to the Prague Symphony for more than 20 years but never understood why the ending of the exposition is excellent music but the recapitulation really took me into another sphere. Now I learn from your analysis about two alterations, the variant in the high violins explained at 24:11 and the pink countertheme in the low voice explained at 24:30 - and exactly these two altered voices always gave me this extra kick when I heared the recapitulation! My "litte mystery" finally solved after 20 years! Thank you again for the most valuable channel on KZbin!

[@alexshih3747]

This is slightly unrelated to the video but I feel like the Mozart-Haydn relationship is like a friendship between the two class clowns (in a good way). Mozart's humor is "funny because weird" and Haydn's humor is "funny because witty". And when they borrow from each other it's like they're setting up each other's jokes. I particularly like how eccentric Mozart is.

[@djbabymode]

It's always a wonderful day when Richard Atkinson uploads!

[@danmozartino2864]

What is life? It’s some of these gems. Thanks you again❤

[@sas2000]

I also found the K. 560 motif similar to the Osmin's aria from the abduction the seraglio!

[@enricochestri]

Fantastic as usual! I knew there was great counterpoint but had never analyzed it so deeply. When I listen to this music I am on a wonderful trip in the midst of nature travelling to other worlds. Mozart the divine

[@andywe7524]

Thank you Richard. The "Prager Sinfonie " is beautiful and your explanations are lovely. Greetings and stay healthy! - Andreas

[@octavianrofrano3351]

How can we thank Mr Atkinson for his extraordinary, deep and insightful analysis of this mind-blowing Mozart symphony movement?

[@Andres-mk4wr]

I'd love you analyzing The magic flute overture 🥰🥰🥰

[@mohamedhosamanwar8330]

I don't think this overture has a lot to analyze but you know, It's always fun to hear Richard's analysis.

[@korema66]

Spectacular! I can't get enough of your analysis.

[@kiren3168]

The amount of work, knowledge and talent that goes into making these videos is unbelievable. Thank you soooo much!!

[@WoutDC]

What a whirlwind of a piece! Thanks for this brilliant video :) People say Haydn is underperformed (wich I agree with), but you could say the same for Mozart, especially concerning his symphonies, only the last 3 and especially nos. 40 and 41 get performed often.

[@caterscarrots3407]

I wouldn't really say that. Symphony no. 39 is not that well known, although it should be, it matches Beethoven's Eroica in intensity. By contrast, this symphony and his earlier D major symphony, the Paris Symphony are much more well known than Symphony no. 39.

[@עדןמזור]

I love how this video was uploaded exactly 5 years after the Jupiter symphony video

[@matthiasm4299]

Oh hell yes, one of my favorite symphony movements! 😁 Also, since you mention Figaro in beginning... a breakdown of the act 2 finale would be a dream come true. 😉

[@benyanman]

It makes me nostalgic to review a symphony I played as a kid more than 8 years ago, so many epic details I have missed back then, and in particular the history behind this masterpiece before its premier I learnt from my conductor. It was good old days, thanks Richard!

[@amse9297]

You announced in a prior video that you would do this symphony. I have been waiting for months. Thank you for releasing this video!!

[@hakunaseitata2880]

This was the very first symphony ive ever played as a little bassoonist helping out a student orchestra... I was so not ready. But it was an incredible experience. So thank you for the memorys!

[@alextinlin4347]

I've been waiting for a video on this movement, you didn't let me down!

[@muhchung]

I have been waiting for this movement for a long time. Thank you and thank you!!

[@ExxylcrothEagle]

My fav Mozart symphony. I've listened to SO many versions, especially of the 1st movement. I know there are things I don't understand about it technically though, so I appreciate this commentary.

[@engelbertschoormans]

Maybe it's only me, but in the fanfare motif of 2:42 reminds me very much of the piano motif in the flutes and oboes of the first movement in the Jupiter Symphony ...!

[@Richard.Atkinson]

Yes! Now I’ve got you playing my game 😅

[@carlofarina]

It also quotes Non piu andrai !! "Delle belle turbando il riposo"

[@pirschkonig4903]

Great work, thank you very much for this detailed analysis!

[@polyphoniac]

After Beethoven wrote his late B-flat string quartet (Op. 130) he expressed great satisfaction with the advances he had just made in his compositional technique. No one to my knowledge has ever commented on what seems patently obvious to me: that the first movement of that work reflects deep study of this particular movement by Mozart.

[@dleov4645]

Love this symphony! Never realised it was this contrapuntally complex until now. Great video as always!

[@siemonblidener652]

Your videos never disappoint! It would make me very happy if you made a video like that about the finale of Mendelssohn's 5th symphony

[@benana_3]

This might be too much to request, but could you make a video on Mahler’s 8th Symphony? It’s filled with a whole bunch of cool structural details (counterpoint, thematic transformation, etc.) and I’m absolutely sure you’d do this piece justice.

[@tamed4171]

I was just rewatching your video on the 41st finale, so this is very fitting

[@doricdream498]

WOW that pedal point in the development gave me goosebumps. How eerie!

[@doricdream498]

Also, I'm a huge fan of 25:18 - it sounds like something straight from the following century, with the screaming violins.

[@ironmaz1]

Like Mozart builds intensity in his development section, my tedious week of work was a buildup to the magnificent moment I finally had some time to watch this. My favourite moments are those heart-rending suspensions in the green theme, and the fugato style of the dark blue trills... once again thank you for sharing your vast knowledge! ^_^

[@rsbolin]

What wonderful explanation and exhibition.

[@sg_dan]

I've always had a fondness for syncopated themes, so naturally the Prague Symphony has been a favorite of mine (as are many of Haydn's). Thanks for yet another marvelous upload!

[@mohamedhosamanwar8330]

I was just rewatching your KV459 video for the 3rd time last night and when you mentioned you "may" make a video on the Prague symphony I said oh I can't wait, so I slept and woke up to this video. 😂

[@bornaerceg9984]

Your analysis makes me love piece even more! Great video!

[@trocomposition4216]

A magnificent video on magnificent counterpoint! Many thanks for another Richard Atkinson classic 👍12:02 I'm really interested in your observation about the similarity to the Tempest given that a) we know Beethoven sometimes liked to use motivic fragments from other works as a starting point for improvisations/compositions b) the themes in the Tempest are all inter-related, meaning that if Beethoven was using this melodic idea consciously, it must surely have been his starting point for the whole sonata 🤯

[@neilwalsh3977]

Such an incredibly fun piece to play for strings

[@nicholasbartulovic6221]

The turquoise theme at the end with its inversion and its subsequent return at the recap. are like proto-Mahlerian in intensity. There are some conductors who take this mvmnt a bit slower and draw out that passage’s tension, giving more credence to that observation.

[@MySheetMusicTranscriptions]

Thanks a lot for this in-depth analysis, Richard!

[@iggyreilly2463]

Haydn's Symphony no. 75 in D-major was one of Mozart's favorites (he conducted it on several concerts) and its influence on the overture to Don Giovanni is clear, comparing the first movement of the Haydn.

[@Richard.Atkinson]

True! He wrote a letter to his father specifically requesting to be sent his copy of the score.

[@iggyreilly2463]

@@Richard.Atkinson Would love to watch a Richard Atkinson video of Haydn inventions that were expounded/expanded upon by Mozart (op. 33 no. 3 -> K. 515; op. 64 no. 6 -> K. 614; Hob. XVI/23/ii -> K. 280/ii; too many to mention!) Thanks for the videos.

[@Richard.Atkinson]

@@iggyreilly2463 I actually pointed out the connection between Op. 64 No. 6 and K. 614 in a prior video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJvdmq13r7l4es0 (@ 36:20)

[@Hist_da_Musica]

Great video, as always!

[@OnlyMozart1]

I waited for this video for years. Many many thanks for this one!

[@OnlyMozart1]

Speaking of Beethoven and the Prague Symphony, it was over 30 years ago that Roger Kamien who suggested that the slow introduction to the first movement (which is not discussed in this video) possibly served a model the slow intro of Beethoven's 2nd Symphony. Others who published essays about this masterwork are: Elaine R. Sisman, László Somfai and Susan McClary.

[@reynaldogendrano7601]

My most favorite Mozart symphony waaaaah!!! 💖😭

[@djbabymode]

The falling triad motifs remind me of JC Bach's Concerto in b flat, op 13 no 4

[@Richard.Atkinson]

Another good one! I don’t think I’d heard that piece until today!

[@djbabymode]

@@Richard.Atkinson I love JC Bach's Op 13! You can tell it really inspired Mozart, as he actually uses a lot of counterpoint (the canonical secondary theme from no 1 being an example)

[@djbabymode]

@@Richard.Atkinson Another example: Jc Bach Op 3 no 6, 3rd movement

[@bodhibhaktaleali8230]

Thank you It’s a very pleasure watching and listening your video! You make a great job ❤️

[@solracpilino1967]

Tal vez esta es mi sinfonía favorita de todos los tiempos, gracias!!

[@fredhoupt4078]

Brilliant Mozart, enlightening analysis. I loved it.

[@fredhoupt4078]

listened to it again. My body just covered in goosebumps. Thank God for Mozart, a gift we will treasure now and for always. Loved your assessment. Helped open the eyes to the intricate web. One only wonders if Mozart's audience had the slightest idea what he had created for them? Doubt it.

[@Tizohip]

Congratulations. Another great video

[@solcarzemog5232]

Bravo, Richard!

[@CalebCarman]

The main motif in Magic Flute is a quote of Clementi’s Bb Major Sonata.

[@NidusFormicarum]

What a joy to follow your thoughts! I don't like their playing a long beat at the end. You can delay the last beat a little bit for emphasis, but I still think it should be short.

[@clau1971dius]

Thank for this video, splendid.

[@mortonbaychestnut4072]

Wow! Thanks for much, again!!

[@user-is2cs9uj2p]

Mozart is always amazing. He composed songs simply but deep !! Thank you for the greatest contents!! +Please upload more your interesting compisition!! :) ( I felt your piano songs like shostakovich)

[@CharlesAustin]

This is so great .. Thank you !!

[@Georgeth-kb6rg]

AMEN !

[@sillypuppy5940]

That first movement is brutal - it takes no prisoners. You can see why the symphony has no minuet; that would calm things too much.

[@marklaporta_music]

I often feel that, in some minor ways, this symphony is more successful than the Jupiter, because the ideas flow more effortlessly. Maybe it's a flaw in performance, but the Jupiter's great finesse sometimes seems more labored by comparison. But this is not a knock on the later symphony, just a matter of personal preference.

[@hodmchess6133]

Would an analysis of the final movement of Bruckner 8 be possible? We love counterpoint!

[@Frank-om4fc]

I still beleive Mozart was an alien who visited this planet...

[@Ivan_1791]

That's cute you are posting this after exactly 5 years after your video on the Jupiter symphony. I also love the Prague symphony, after the 29th I'm not sure there is one I don't quite like haha

[@cesarvallejolopez]

Gorgeous video! But... why do I hear the music in E flat major??? 😱

[@classicalmusic210]

Don't you think the fanfare-like passages of the development of the 3rd movement are a bit like an allusion to the French overture-styled introduction of the 1st movement? Much like K.608?

[@FebruaryJulia]

👏👏👏👏👏 Bravo!

[@toddscotdrumcovers2341]

Is there a PDF with the annotations?

[@bellinivernon]

Que bien ... !

[@joaobutmozartsfan9658]

Mozarts k503 and k504 are beyond my own world

[@Richard.Atkinson]

Two of the greatest K. numbers.

[@brianr.3085]

​@@Richard.Atkinson 502 and 505 aren't too shabby either.

[@miguelsuarez8010]

That's why when I whistle sinf 38 I end up with the magic flute oberture.

[@OnlyMozart1]

@Richard Atkinson I just listened to the andante movement from the serenade K. 204 (213b). Bars 25-28 shows a rather striking similarity with the slow introduction to the movement analyzed by you in this video. Do you find it to be similar too, or is it just me?

[@johncenter4858]

I'm stunned by Beethoven's ripp off!

[@Lexhouben]

wow

[@DanielFahimi]

NO WAY!!!

[@studiomilo]

Mozart outdid everyone else in every genre. I mean it's incredible that as well as genius symphonies, quartets, concertos and solo sonatas, he also wrote Operas not really matched again in musical / dramatic fusion until Wagner. Listen to his lesser contemporaries and you realize how unfunny the 'Musical Joke' actually is. Sometimes I watch these videos and it is literally to much - like you cannot sit and stare into dazzling beauty for to long in case it burns your brain.

[@michaelwu7678]

It’s always so sad to think about what more Mozart could’ve done had he lived to 50 or more

[@juanchacon8846]

What software do you use?

[@NN-df7hl]

Richard, isn't the Development and Recap also repeated? I believe I just heard Mackerras repeat it. Is that optional?

[@Richard.Atkinson]

I've never seen a score with a notated repeat, but some conductors like to repeat it anyway.

[@rexz3409]

@@Richard.AtkinsonThe second half repeat is notated in the Neue Mozart Ausgabe edition.

[@Richard.Atkinson]

@@rexz3409 That makes sense. I think almost all Mozart sonata movements repeat the second half as well.

[@zelayaelijah]

Hahaha the whistling is back

[@classicalmusic210]

I think most similarities of symphonic contrapuntal writing can be drawn between Michael Haydn and Mozart. Look at this Michael Haydn 33rd symphony kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZXCpXqkmLJ2aZI written in Salzburg the same year Mozart wrote his 38th. Compare his 31th kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZ_deZ6ra8Z7j6c with Mozart's 41th kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXLQqGt3idGhbJo Mozart copied out (with K.291) the finale of Michael Haydn's 23rd before writing his K.387 finale. Many parts of this Michael Haydn 28th symphony kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmndf3psjbCqZ6M sound similar to Mozart's 41th. Also listen to Michael Haydn's overture symphony 36th, written months before Mozart's 39th. I agree with H. C. Robbins Landon's hypothesis that Mozart knew Michael's final set of symphonies before writing his own 3 final symphonies.

[@Sam-tj9np]

M Haydn's 34th symphony has a theme Mozart used for the finale of his 39th kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaOVdH6VlN2pm6c

[@alali2885]

Why haven't you done any video or analysis of Rachmaninov's music ? I find his music really interesting... for example his piano concertos (n2&3) or his symphonies etc. I'm thinking maybe you just don't like his music, but if i'm wrong it would be great if you'd done some video/analysis about his music too 😃👍

[@Richard.Atkinson]

I’m not a huge fan.

[@aramvs8818]

@@Richard.Atkinson hey nice video. But I wish u made an analysis on Rachmaninov’s cello sonata. I’m not a huge fan Rachmaninov either but his cello sonata is an exception

[@juwonnnnn]

👏

[@brianr.3085]

The rondo finale of the 18th piano concerto k.456 also opens with that triadic "calling card" motif you mentioned.

[@Richard.Atkinson]

How’d I overlook that one!? Maybe because it’s in a different meter?

[@hjo4104]

@@Richard.Atkinson Yes, it's in 6/8... F-F-F|F-D-Bb

[@Richard.Atkinson]

For me, it doesn’t sound like the same motif, since the 3rd of the triad (D in this case) isn’t on the downbeat. Otherwise, yes, it’s the same.

[@Tracotel]

Harnoncourt/Concentus Musicus Wien is terrific. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2TGon2ojr90gpI