Finale from Symphony No. 40

Mozart's Symphony No. 40 was completed in July of 1788 and was scored for flute, oboes, bassoons and strings; absent were the traditional trumpets and timpani. Subsequently, he added a pair of clarinets to accommodate two brothers who were exemplary performers on the instrument, and that is the version heard today. Though the first movement is probably the best-known of all his symphonic works, the Finale provides an appropriate and thrilling conclusion to this monumental composition and, indeed, can be considered a precursor to the symphonies of Beethoven yet to come!