Before setting out
the music and style of Mozart, we shall proceed to a brief intruduction to the
era the composer is classified as belonging to: Classicism.
The Classical period
related to the art and philosophy of Ancient Greece and Rome – as suggested by
the name itself. Its composers were opposed to the evolution of their Baroque
predecessors – their works were less complex and of a simpler texture.
As a result,
homophony – which occurs when accompaniment and melody are clearly distinct –
came to substitute for the polyphony that took over the Baroque period. In
addition, new genres were created as Classicism emerged. The sonata format was
the most relevant. Even though there were a few, eventual sonatas composed
still in the Baroque era, the Classical sonata was completely distinct. We
shall return to the Classical sonata format later.
Wolfgang Amadeus
Mozart - baptized Joannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus
Mozart (1756 – 1791) was one of the most influencial composers of the Classical
Era. He is also acknowledged as one of the greatest piano virtuosi of all time.
He composed his
works for keyboard – which was, at his time, the fortepiano (see Annex I), an instrument also known eighteenth century pedal piano rather than for the contemporary piano (pianoforte).
Until 1750, all sonatas for piano and violin gave
the violin the predominant role, leaving the role of harmonization for the keyboard.
Circa 1750, the fortepiano was prioritized – this is so true that
composers of that time determined the
violin should be played ad libitum.
Mozart finally
established a balance between both instruments, leaving room for a ‘dialogue’
between them. However, this was only
achieved in his later works - such as
the four last sonatas for keyboard and violin. This balance was also reached in
other genres, such as his works for chamber music, and could be defined as
compositions in which the keyboard plays an integral part in the development of
the musical discourse, rather than one of mere accompaniment. These works
display the complexity of his Pre-Romantic
phase, in which the composer explores timbres, the development of themes,
dynamics and texture, apart from deepening the evolvement of the sonata form.
A key word for the Classical sonata: contrast. Two themes
are weaved throughout a classical sonata, which are in conflict with each other
and therefore create increasing tension – which is finally resolved in the last
movement.
Moreover, the Classical
sonata has an introspective aura. The fits of passion and unbridled fantasy –
typical of the Romantic period - were not considered compatible with its
nature.
Mozart composed eighteen sonatas for solo keyboard. Between
1777 and 1778, he composed a series of five pieces of this genre, whose main
features were pianistic splendour and
movements of a lower pace in which the role of the left hand measured up to
that of the right hand. An instance of
this is the K331, whose finale is the widely known Rondo Alla turca.
The following piece is the first movement (Allegro con spirito) of the Sonata for
two pianos K448 in D major – considered
one of the most profound works by the composer. Written in 1781, it comprises
Mozart’s mature phase. The other two movements are the Andante
(second) and the Molto Allegro
(third).
Thie K448 in D major was written in typical galant style. Observe the the
construction of simultaneous cadences
and the interlocking melodies.
A fabulous performance, by Argerich and Baldocci. Enjoy!
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