A Guided Tour of Mozart's 40th Symphony in G minor, K. 550 (Video 1 of 2)

In this video, you'll hear the Prague Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Sir Charles Mackerras.
I'll follow up anon with a more narrative style analysis.

[@Manuel_Torralba]

Can't wait to watch it!

[@henryng0725]

I’m always amazed at how advanced the harmony is in this Symphony. When I was young and found out that the development in the 4th movement reached C# minor I was always left in awe! No doubt Mozart was considered a romantic in his age.
Now I find that the finale here is so similar to the first movement of his great G minor String Quintet, not only the key but the motive and counterpoint. So masterful.
Henry

[@warrenj3204]

Enjoying your videos as always. I listen to classical almost exclusively. I learned to play a number of classical pieces on piano when I was younger. I understand and appreciate the larger structures including sonata form. I have a basic understanding of chords and harmony. In other words, I mostly "get it".
The level of detail you go into, however, is breathtaking.
I recently bumped into something about how Chopin went about composing. He'd sit down at the piano and improvise. If he liked something he'd quick jot it down before he forgot. And sometimes he WOULD forget and be frustated as a result.
Something similar must've been true with Mozart as well I would think. Instead of consciously thinking in technical terms all the time he must've just sort of "winged it" at some level. How could he not? It is, after all, an exercise in heartfelt creative expression.