Most musical histories leave Mozart with his Requiem (Mozart’s last words were reported to be “I was composing this for myself”), but that I think is a mistake. In fact, Mozart's final complete composition was his Clarinet Concerto. I tend to ascribe much importance to final works, but I don’t think Mozart really had cause … Continue reading Mozart’s Coda: The Clarient Concerto
Category: Mozart
That Day of Tears and Mourning
Mozart famously received a commission from a secret patron to compose a Requiem in 1791. Mozart had been ill for a year and was laboring under the strain of producing two other major compositions—The Magic Flute and La Clemenza di Tito, his return to opera seria—as well as on several other notable works. Surely, composing … Continue reading That Day of Tears and Mourning
An Ode to True Love
By 1788, Mozart had fully mastered Classical composition, exceeding all of his contemporaries. With Figaro, Don Giovanni and the Jupiter fully in the rear view mirror, where could he take his art? Mozart, ever the restless genius, was not one to stand still, churning out endless versions of the same thing. By now, he had … Continue reading An Ode to True Love
The 100th Entry: Don Giovanni
Well, I couldn't have planned this any better. This is, quite unbelievably, my 100th entry in this blog. And what a subject to feature today. On any given night, Don Giovanni can be the greatest opera ever written, at least in my opinion. It is hard for us, in the 21st century, to really appreciate … Continue reading The 100th Entry: Don Giovanni
The Jupiter
We are now quickly coming to the end. But before grief, utter brilliance. Mozart wrote his 41st and last symphony at the age of 33. He had no idea it would be his final symphonic statement, but he could leave no greater legacy. Again, there is too much to say about the remarkable “Jupiter” Symphony … Continue reading The Jupiter
A Gertus History of Music 