Mozart's Jupiter Symphony & Beethoven's Symphony No. 5: A Comparison

Introduction

The Symphony No. 41 in C major, also referred to as the Jupiter Symphony by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was created in August of the year 1788 (Sisman). Unlike other symphonies by Mozart, No. 41 is considered as the last but the longest symphony Mozart has ever produced. Moreover, since its introduction, this particular artistic creation has been ranked as one of the best symphonies ever to exist. On the other hand, Symphony No. 5 in C minor by Beethoven was created around 1804 to 1808; several years after Mozart's symphony (Sanborn). Since its release, Beethoven's symphony has also been classified as one of the most excellent compositions of classical music. As a result, it has emerged as one of the most played symphonies in different places across the globe. In addition to being played, Beethoven's symphony has also been crucial for film markers as well as other artists such as rock and roll musicians.

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Therefore, after listening to both symphonies by Mozart and Beethoven critically and attentively, various aspects of their music tend to stand out as this paper will exhibit. For instance, regarding Mozart's Symphony No. 41 in C major, the outstanding element is well evident in the second movement called the "Andante cantabile" whereby the strings are muted throughout; a factor which is unusual for classical music compositions during this particular period (Sisman). Furthermore, another outstanding aspect concerning Mozart's symphony is well evident in the fourth movement, also called the "Molto Allegro." The section tends to begin with a simple four-note motif presented to the listener using violins (Sisman). Afterward, the theme is followed by strict sonata structure which tends to incorporate the extensive use of fugal imitation (Sisman).

On the other hand, for Beethoven's symphony, the specific aspects which stand out are evident within the first movement whereby it begins with enthralling energy which it maintains throughout as a result of a short four-note motif at the beginning of the symphony (Sanborn). What is even more fascinating about Beethoven's composition is that the second movement entails two themes which tend to alternate with each other throughout (Sanborn). The first theme, which is sweet involves some lyrical elements presented to the audience through the use of violas as well as cellos (Sanborn). However, the second motif, which is delivered using musical instruments such as trumpets, drums, and horns is forceful as well as heroic in nature (Sanborn).

In addition to both symphonies incorporating various aspects which are outstanding to the audience, they tend to differ from each other regarding a wide variety of issues. Firstly, the two symphonies differ regarding the aspect of clarity. For instance, as Mozart's composition is dependent on the use of precise and coherent notes, his symphony tends to incorporate sounds which are crystal clear and different from one another (Sisman). However, for Beethoven, his composition includes a stylistic factor described as a "muddy tone," which consequently makes it easy for his symphony to undergo changes as well as variations within the four movements (Sanborn).

Secondly, the works of the two artists differ concerning the mood factor. During his lifetime, Mozart was described as a humorous individual who loved spending time with friends and family (Sisman). He was fascinated by various elements such as dancing and fashion, which created an avenue for him to interact with different people in society (Sisman). Therefore, such traits are well evident in his composition whereby the Symphony No. 41 in C major is smooth, comfortable, and fun for the audience to listen (Sisman). However, on the other hand, Beethoven was described as an angry and short-tempered individual (Sanborn). He barely concerned himself with societal interactions as he was more often than not moody (Sanborn). Therefore, such factors are evident in his composition, which tends to evoke a fiery mood among the audience as a result of the constant changes in the flow of music (Sanborn).

Regardless of the differences, the two symphonies also tend to incorporate some similarities. Nonetheless, the similarities between them are not plenty as compared to the differences. In that case, Mozart and Beethoven's symphonies are similar in that both make use of the "sonata allegro" form (Sanborn). As the definition of sonata outlines, the two symphonies are composed of different movements. Therefore, by incorporating the "sonata allegro," it tends to mean that the first movement of each of the symphonies by Mozart and Beethoven are presented in a fast-paced manner (Sisman).

Therefore, after a critical evaluation of the two case study symphonies, it would be correct to suggest that Mozart's composition would be more impactful to a particular individual as compared to Beethoven's symphony. As explained above, Mozart's music is smooth, fun, and comfortable to the listener. Therefore, such an aspect is vital as it works towards helping reduce depression as well as stress as the tempo of the music eases a person's anxiety thus why Mozart's music is more impactful than Beethoven's composition (Chafin). In addition to helping reduce stress and depression, it makes an individual happy as it instigates increased secretions of dopamine, which is responsible for activating the brains centers of pleasure, which cause joy and happiness (Chafin).

Hence, as depicted above, Mozart and Beethoven's symphonies incorporate a wide range of outstanding elements. However, the two have a wide range of different with a small similarity existent between them. Moreover, of the two compositions, Mozart's symphony is more impactful as it tends to incorporate some health benefits for the listener.

Work Cited

Chafin, Sky, et al. "Music can facilitate blood pressure recovery from stress." British journal of health psychology 9.3 (2004): 393-403, www.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1348/1359107041557020. Accessed 21 June 2019.

Sanborn, Pitts. Beethoven and His Nine Symphonies. Philharmonic-Symphony Society of New York, 1939.

Sisman, Elaine R. Mozart: " Jupiter" Symphony. Cambridge University Press, 1993.