About this edition
Mozart's Symphony No. 40 in G minor, K. 550, stands as one of the most emotionally powerful and structurally perfect works in the orchestral repertoire. The symphony's opening theme—with its urgent, descending melody in the strings—immediately establishes a mood of dramatic intensity that pervades the entire work, making it perhaps Mozart's most psychologically complex symphony. This masterpiece, completed in 1788 during Mozart's final creative period, demonstrates his ability to blend classical form with deeply personal expression.
This edition reproduces the authoritative score from Mozarts Werke, the comprehensive collected works published by Breitkopf & Härtel in Leipzig in 1880. As part of Serie VIII (Symphonies), Volume 3, this publication represents one of the earliest scholarly editions of Mozart's complete symphonies, prepared with meticulous attention to source materials and editorial standards. The Breitkopf & Härtel edition served as the foundation for performance and study of Mozart's symphonies for generations, and remains highly regarded for its careful preparation and clean, readable presentation.
About this edition:
- Full orchestral score in standard 8.5" × 11" format
- Clear, professional reproduction suitable for study and performance preparation
- Based on the historic Breitkopf & Härtel edition (1880)
- Published by Purple 4R Publishing
- Reproduced from public domain source materials
This edition makes Mozart's remarkable G minor symphony readily available to conductors, musicians, and music lovers in a high-quality printed format. Since the original source is in the public domain, we're delighted to help preserve and share this cornerstone of the classical repertoire with today's musical community.
