Symphony No.30 in D major (K.202) (Full Score)

Mozart Symphony No.30 in D major (K.202) (Full Score)

The so-called nine “Salzburg” symphonies were composed after Mozart had returned from his final journey to Italy.  Their textual transmission is especially straightforward and convenient: shortly after their composition the autograph scores were gathered together by Leopold Mozart, who also supplied a table of contents with incipits, and bound in a single volume.  The volume takes its name “Cranz III” from its nineteenth-century owner, August Cranz.

The Symphony in D major K.202 bears the date 5 May 1774.  In terms of chronology, this makes it the penultimate work in the Salzburg miscellany, where however it occupies the final position.  Earlier writers generally emphasised – and regretted – Mozart’s return to straightforward entertainment and galanterie following the earnestness of the preceding symphonies.  However, high drama and seriousness of intent are not necessarily synonymous with high quality.  We need only compare the opening bars of the outside movements.  Both themes consist of a descending D-major triad, but the first two bars are also linked by matching rhythmic patterns with an opposite twist, the mighty downbeat entrances in the opening movement being counterbalanced by a madcap upbeat motif in the finale.

- Urtext of the New Mozart Edition

- Full score and performance material (BA4725) available for sale