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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.
seandtaylor99
pragmatist
336 posts
 
While most of Mozart's Compositions are in major keys,allow me to point out these three in minor keys for your listening pleasure:
Symphony #40
Piano Concerto #20
Piano Concerto #24

Dlshifi:

If I implied that the younger Mozart was less creative than the more mature Mozart,please forgive my rhetorical mistakes.
Allow me to say that even as good as the younger Mozart was,the more mature Mozart benefited from the cumulative effects of practicing composition and that his move from Saltzburg to Vienna was a declaration of independence,even if its effect on his composition was only discursive.
seandtaylor99 OP
1,262 posts
 
Bomarc ... yes it is entirely about my taste in music, but I don't think that's my point. My point is that Mozart, unlike other composers with who I am familiar, seems to me to have two very contrasting styles of music. All composers produce a spectrum of material, but Mozart's is a much wider spectrum than most.
tweekerman
473 posts
 
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.
bomarc
501 posts
 
Maybe, Sean, or maybe your like/dislike boundary just happens to lie smack in the middle of his oeuvre!

Like Pragmatist, I thought of the major/minor distinction. It may be that Mozart's style, done in a major key, sounds very light to you (an admitted Romantic fan), while the same style done in a minor key sounds deeper and darker and more like what you like about 19th century music. Just a thought.

Also, remember that all composers--at least those who are trying to make a living at it--have to please an audience. That tends to be more true of younger artists, and Mozart was always a young artist. Perhaps you don't like him when he's playing most directly and obviously to his public.
seandtaylor99 OP
1,262 posts
 
Thanks everyone, again, for the great posts. With a hyperactive 20 month old at home I don't get too much time for reading or listening, but I'll bookmark this thread and try to get around to it later.
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