Sean, listen to Mozart's operas, performed with finesse and talent, they are a great laugh and enjoyment. Genius! As for the wonderful piano concerti, give the phenomenol #25 a listen. Quite unusal power that builds up and explodes in the final movement. As for performances, check our Moravec/Marriner on 24+25, and the Moravec/Vlach/Czech/Supraphon/#'s23+24+25!!! I've had no luck on ordering this one from Tower, I'm trying a second time. Moravec is the best recording of Mozart I've heard. Mozart's piano concerti have never been championed by any conductor/pianist yet, except the Moravec I've heard. Tireguy mentions Mozart's keyboard ability, I'm sure Wolfgang played with a great range of emotions, humor and tenderness.
Has anyone else noticed this about Mozart ....
My introduction to Mozart was through the Clarinet concerto (I'm a clarinet player, or at least was), the Clarinet and Oboe quartets or quintets (I forget which) and the Horn Concerto. It left me with the impression that Mozart's music was rather emotionally shallow, and altogether too "happy" for my tastes. Dare I say ... elevator music. I couldn't figure out what all the fuss was about.
Then several years later I discover the Requiem Mass, Ave Verum Corpus, and several piano concertos, my favourite being No23, and it's almost like I'm listening to a completely different composer ... one who rivals Beethoven for sheer depth of feeling.
I cannot think of any other composer that seems to have two such distinct styles, though I am not very well versed in classical music, and have a limited music selection. Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Bach etc etc all are quite easily identifiable to me, but Mozart really seems to have two sides to him.
Has anyone else noticed this about Mozart ? Am I alone or am I nuts .. I've never heard anyone comment on this, and I'd be interested to hear opinions from this knowledgable board.
Then several years later I discover the Requiem Mass, Ave Verum Corpus, and several piano concertos, my favourite being No23, and it's almost like I'm listening to a completely different composer ... one who rivals Beethoven for sheer depth of feeling.
I cannot think of any other composer that seems to have two such distinct styles, though I am not very well versed in classical music, and have a limited music selection. Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Bach etc etc all are quite easily identifiable to me, but Mozart really seems to have two sides to him.
Has anyone else noticed this about Mozart ? Am I alone or am I nuts .. I've never heard anyone comment on this, and I'd be interested to hear opinions from this knowledgable board.