This is the first work of the famous symphonic triptych (K. 543, K. 550 and
K. 551) Mozart composed in the summer of 1788. Although we do not know
exactly why he wrote these three masterpieces at that time, it is assumed
that they were intended for a series of concerts in Vienna. Despite his
waning popularity in Vienna and his desperate financial situation, Mozart
succeeded in forgetting his daily concerns and created a masterpiece of
good spirits and self-confidence. The stately introduction leads into a
graceful, urbane theme that seems to flow without effort. But a highlight
of this work is the Trio of the Minuet, a pastoral Ländler for woodwinds
that contrasts strikingly with the pounding energy of the Minuet. This
concert was recorded in 1982 at the Musikvereinssaal in Vienna with the
Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra under Leonard Bernstein.