LXXV. MOZART, Wolfgang Amadeus (1756-1791)
Mozart's thematic material is often extremely simple melodies, like this one.
Also simple, harmonically:
I / V/ I / V / I / V-I / ii-V / I
With such innocence, the boy wonder explodes into unexplored territory and plays the piano against and with the orchestra, as if he were playing with his toys.
One can imagine the delight he must have taken in playing these concerti himself. I imagine him -- still only 28-years-old -- probably cocking his head from side-to-side and just listening to the orchestral accompaniment, as he whizzed along, playing music which had been in head for -- what? -- at least weeks. (He usually composed very quickly.)
The second movement -- in the dominant key of C Major -- is a simple ABAB form, which Mozart takes intricate care to vary from theme to theme. It is as delicate as a the silk of a spider web.
The third movement -- seemingly a simple rondo -- is beautifully decorated with a shimmering orchestration, using the winds in a way which would greatly influence the young Beethoven.
Simple melodies, detailed counterpoint and a completely unnoticeable complexity of form is what makes these works astonishing to the ears.
Virginia Woolf said Jane Austen was the author it was most difficult to catch in the act of greatness. Mozart is the musical equivalent.
ReplyDelete