"Mozart's" First Four Piano Concerti: Why the Heck Not?
John Gibbons
Leopold, Wolfgang and Nannerl on stage by Delafosse, 1764Listen up: If you have limited time to listen to Mozart, or don’t have to teach a class on Mozart’s piano concerti or something, like I do, you don’t have time for these works. Go listen to Cosi fan Tutte or something. Go on, git! I don’t have all day.
Alright, everybody else-are those bozos gone? Good. Today we’re talking about the four concertos Mozart wrote at the age of eleven, based on pre-existing pieces, primarily by the Parisian Roccoco school, guys like Schobert and Eckard. These pieces aren’t even included in Cuthbert Girdlestone’s (what a name! Sounds like a character from Arthur Conan Doyle…I think I’ll change my name to his!) classic study of the Mozart piano concerti. He calls the 5th concerto the first. Which is fine. But either I’m entering my second childhood (not a likely possibility, you!) or the pieces are surprisingly viable. It helps to have a record of them played and conducted by Daniel Barenboim, who, make no bones about it, plays the pieces in a wonderfully warm, playful, and wholly romantic manner. I don’t understand critics of Barenboim’s Mozart, and I’ve met a lot of them. But on the other hand, I’ve met a lot of guys who prefer Artur Rubinstein’s piano playing to that of Vladimir Horowitz. To me this is incomprehensible, I’ll just never get it.
Anyway, here’s the Gibbons Maxim: All Music Should Be Played Romantically.
No, I am not appending a caveat. And if you squeal, “What about Bach?” I’ll majestically intone, “Especially Bach!”
Alright, I concede it’s largely a matter of taste and temperament. If Thomas Beecham puts cymbals and harp in Messiah, I’ll laugh along with the rest of you. And de Pachman’s Chopin (I’ve heard it) is gross and tasteless, not charming. And Huneker’s “analysis” of Chopin is an embarrassment. Let him go get drunk with Dvorak. Was that him? Here are some points about the four Mozart concerti which have been conspicuous by their absence in this essay:
1. Formally, they are totally conventional fast-slow-fast affairs with rudimentary binary and song forms with episodes instead of developments, with the exception of the first mvt. of the D major, which is actually interesting, and it is further interesting that Wolfy only provided a cadenza for this piece, clearly the best of the four.
2. The orchestration is too classy to be labeled, or libeled, “perfunctory”. But don’t get in a tizzy about it, we’re not gonna “alert the media”. If you don’t appreciate Mozart’s orchestration, just listen to some of his contemporaries. (excepting Haydn).
3. The left hand of the pianist is constantly playing orchestral style music, not piano style music, except where it is playing ubiquitous alberti basses…which is most of the time, come to think of it. When the piano doubles the bass, it’s actually kind of a fun texture on the piano, but on a harpsichord or fortepiano it’d be a dull and conventional texture. And is it lese majestie to criticize some of the left hand writing in Mozart’s “real” concerti?
4. The right hand plays an awful lot of arpeggios and scales. But if you inflect this prefabricated material like Barenboim does, it is indeed beautiful.
5. Cheerful and elegant, the melodic writing delights.
6. The most ambitious slow movement, the F-major movement of the 2nd concerto (the B-flat) fails. It tries to have beautiful suspensions and real gravity but is just boring. The piano plays too many triplets, and doesn’t even have a chance for rubato or nuance much.
7. These pieces aren’t particularly worse than Mozart’s concerti 6-8. 5 is much better than these, but 6-8? These (1-4) concerti are pithier and no more superficial than 6-8. The 7th is a disappointment: with 3 keyboards one might think Mozart would get more, not less, but less he gets.
8. The slow movement of No. 4 is in g minor. Relax! Geezus, I can’t take you anywhere! It’s not real Mozart g minor.
9. The fine scholar William Kinderman says in his book, “Mozart’s Piano Music” that Mozart merely adapted pre-existing sonatas and added orchestral ritornelli. But can this be totally true? There are definitely passages in the piano part that sure don’t feel sonata-like; that seem to depend on the interaction of piano and orchestra. I at least can’t imagine simply playing the piano parts as sonatas. I’m way too lazy to look up the original sources, so I hereby commission you, reader, to spend hours in the library doing so. Let me know what you find out.
Reader Comments (8)
As you may know, there are two brand new recordings of Bohème. Muso, The Plain Dealer, and The Philadelphia Inquirer have already reviewed them side by side. Now it is your turn. Please follow the link below to sample some audio clips (sorry – streaming audio isn’t the ideal fidelity) and leave your comments on the message board. This is your chance to review the recordings, even though we are a bit bias toward one, we welcome all comments.
http://www.telarc.com/opera/index.html
I bought the Barenboim set when I was young for very little money (hey, I'm Dutch...) And as a reference for all the concerti it's very handy. Individually, these performances have all been surpassed (to my taste) Vasary in no 21, Helene Boschi in no 22 etc. From the Barenboim set I like the no 24 (c-minor) the best. If you are playing it with later concerto's in mind, you should fully go for it! And he does...
Greetings from the Netherlands,
Rolf
http://docent.cmd.hro.nl/otter
(my classical lp blog)
interesting. thanks for the post. i like it. thanks for this.
actually i am a student of a great piano instructor, i learn so much from him even composing a song through piano and making my voice tuned in piano playing.
piano
Your place is valueble to me. Thanks! I found countless interesting stuff below, keep up the excellent work. Click for you to enter.
[url=http://www.womenhandbags2u.com/louis-vuitton-handbags-c-1.html]replica louis vuitton handbags[/url] and [url=http://www.womenhandbags2u.com/louis-vuitton-handbags-lv-monogram-canvas-handbags-c-1_14.html]LV Monogram canvas handbags[/url]
Burberry, maker of the classic trench coat and plaid scarf, Coach Store Online has transformed itself into one of the hottest brands in fashion today making Coach Outlet Online Store . The Coach Factory Outlet is a mainstay of high fashion, so much so many companies have started making replica Coach Factory Outlet Store.
Coach Factory was founded in 1856 by 21 year old Thomas Burberry a apprentice to a country draper in England. He started by opening a outfitters shop. Originally known as an outdoor wear manufacturer, Coach Outlet Online Store invented Gabardine which is a breathable, waterproof fabric that is made by waterproofing the yarn prior to weaving. This was patented in 1888. Coach Factory Outlet Online Most of the original line was directed towards outerwear and military uniforms. In 1901 the familiar Burberry Equestrian Knight was developed and registered as a trademark. In the 1920's theCoach Factory Outlet Online which had been used as a lining for their trench coat was trademarked. It has since become synonymous with Coach Outlet Online. These distinctive trench coats have been seen in movies. For example Humphrey Bogart wore one in Casablanca, Peter Sellers in the Pink Panther films, and Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's. And this is how the burberry handbag and replica burberry handbags craze iniated.
The Coach Outlet Onlineentered the scene around strong around 1999 when the appointment of Italian designed Robert Menchetti to the division renewed the brands popularity. Prior to this it was slumping because of a very conservative image and an Asian recession which had always been a stronghold for the company. But soon Coach Outlet will be seen worldwide.
Such notables as David Beckham, Coach Factory Tamara Beckwith, and Spice Girl Victoria Adams Coach Bag fully embraced the new approach along with Prince William and Kate Moss. It looks as if the Coach Outlet Store is finally among the elite chic of the fashion world.
A few of the more notableCheap Coach Purses styles include :
The Ultra-chic Burberry Blue Check handbag is compact, lightweight and ideal for today's fashionable woman. Coach Purse Outlet Online Attractive blue, white, ivory tan and black cover vinyl-coated canvas in the familiar Coach Outlet Stores is accented with tan leather trim. Full-length zippered top opens to reveal a canvas lined interior. Matching tan leather strap fits comfortably on the shoulder. Blue Check Coach Outlet Coupon is 10-1/4 inches wide, 4-3/4 inches high and 1-3/4 inches deep. Shoulder strap is 26-inches long. This handbag typically sells for approximately 450 dollars. Truly a stunningCoach Factory Store Online . A replica burberry handbag of the same style will run you about 100 dollars.
Cheap Coach Bags Check Snowdrop handbag is compact, sleekly styled and just right for today's busy woman. This colors of pink, white and tan for the Candy Check cover in vinyl-coated canvas. It is accented with matching tan leather piped trim.
Christmas sale <h1>coach handbags outlet</h1>
So much that one cannot bear to part with it <h1>cheap designer handbags</h1>
cheap designer handbags<h1>cheap coach handbags</h1>
Single product sales <h1>authentic jerseys suppliers</h1>
Delicate and beautiful <h1>cheap coach bags</h1>
Buy want to buy products <h1>coach outlet</h1>
Design Division <h1>coach outlet store online</h1>
Beautiful and durable <h1>coach factory outlet</h1>
Good quality affordable <h1>nfl jerseys suppliers</h1>
The most fashionable cheap <h1>cheap nfl jerseys</h1>
Spot buying <h1>coach bags on sale</h1> Welcome to buy
57<h1>Louis Vuitton Bags</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet Store Online</h1>
<h1>Coach Purses Outlet</h1>
<h1>Coach Online Outlet Store</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Outlet Store Online</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Store Online</h1>
<h1>Cheap Louis Vuitton Bags</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Outlet Online</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet Store</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton Outlet</h1>
<h1>Coach Purse</h1>
<h1>Authentic Louis Vuitton Handbags</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet</h1>
<h1>Chanel Bags</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton Bags</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton Outlet</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton Bag</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Outlet Online</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Outlet Store</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Outlet</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet Online Store</h1>
<h1>Coach Purse Outlet</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton Bags</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton Bags</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Outlet Store</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlets</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet Online</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet Stores Online</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton USA</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Online</h1>
<h1>www.louisvuitton.com</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet Online</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet Bags</h1>
<h1>Coach Purse Outlet Online</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet Online</h1>
<h1>Coach Purses Outlet</h1>
<h1>Coach Bags</h1>
<h1>Coach Online Store</h1>
<h1>Coach Handbags Outlet</h1>
<h1>Chanel Outlet Store</h1>
<h1>Cheap Louis Vuitton</h1>
<h1>Chanel Outlet</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton Sunglasses</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet Online</h1>
<h1>LV Bags</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet Store Online</h1>
<h1>Coco Chanel Bags</h1>
<h1>Chanel Handbags</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton Outlet</h1>
<h1>Coach Purses</h1>
<h1>Coach Handbags Outlet</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Outlet Online</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton Outlet</h1>
<h1>Chanel Outlet Store Online</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet Online</h1>
<h1>Coach Handbags</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet</h1>
<h1>Burberry Outlet</h1>
<h1>Burberry Scarf</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet Store Online</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton Outlet</h1>
<h1>Coach Bag</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Outlet Store</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory</h1>
<h1>Coach Purses Outlet Online</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton Bags</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Store</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton</h1>
<h1>Coach Online Outlet Store</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton Bags</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton Outlet</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet Store Online</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Store</h1>
<h1>www.louisvuitton.com</h1>
<h1>Coach Handbags Factory Outlet</h1>
<h1>Coach Online Factory Store</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Store Online</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet Online</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Handbag Outlet Store</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet Stores</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Outlet</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Outlet Online</h1>
<h1>Coach Store Online</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Outlet Online</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Store Online</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Outlet</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton Handbags</h1>
<h1>Coach Handbag Outlet</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton</h1>
<h1>Cheap Coach Bags</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet Store Online</h1>
<h1>Chanel Bags</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton Handbags</h1>
<h1>www.louisvuitton.com</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Online</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton Purses</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Outlet Online</h1>
<h1>Chanel Outlet Online</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlets</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton Handbags</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Online</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet Store Online</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet Store Online</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet Online</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Outlet</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton Purses</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Outlet Online</h1>
<h1>Chanel Bags</h1>
<h1>Coach Store Online</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory</h1>
<h1>Coach Bags</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Outlet Online</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton Handbags</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet Store</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet Store</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton Purses</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet Purses</h1>
<h1>Coach Online Outlet Store</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Outlet</h1>
<h1>Coach Bags Outlet</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet Stores Online</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton Handbags</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Online Sale</h1>
<h1>Coach Store Online</h1>
<h1>Coach Handbags</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet Handbags</h1>
<h1>Coach Purse Outlet</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton Outlet Online</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet Online Store</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Outlet</h1>
<h1>Coco Chanel Handbags</h1>
<h1>Burberry Outlet</h1>
<h1>Coach Online Factory Store</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet Store Online</h1>