Album insights
In 1781, 25-year-old Mozart had enough of Salzburg and his employer, Archbishop Colloredo, wanting to leave the provincial town for good. After being dismissed with a kick by Count Arco in June 1781, Mozart found the freedom he desired in Vienna.
Within a year, two significant events occurred for him: the successful Viennese premiere of his opera "The Abduction from the Seraglio" and his marriage to Constanze Weber at St. Stephen's Cathedral. Their first child was born in June 1783. Despite praise for Constanze's talent, financial troubles persisted. Mozart kept meticulous records of his works but was less careful with expense tracking, even handing over the responsibility to Constanze.
Mozart's days were filled with teaching and concerts, boasting a series of 22 concerts in 38 days by early April 1784. His virtuosity astounded audiences, drawing admiration from fellow musicians like tenor Michael Kelley. Amid intense concert schedules, Mozart constantly produced new works, safeguarding them against theft by memorizing solo parts.
Mozart dedicated his 17th Piano Concerto in G Major to Barbara Ployer, yet musicologist Michael Lorenz suggests an earlier premiere date. The concerto's intricate beauty captivates listeners, showcasing Mozart's brilliance and creativity.
The year 1784 saw Mozart's remarkable productivity, composing numerous pieces despite personal and financial challenges. However, the decline in public interest and personal struggles marked the end of an era for Mozart, leading to his final compositions, including the poignant Piano Concerto No. 27 in B-flat Major.
Reflective of Mozart's emotional complexity, this concerto reveals layers of melancholy and longing, highlighted by intricate harmonic shifts. The simplicity of the poignant Larghetto prepares the listener for an exuberant finale, resonating with hints of underlying complexity and a profound message.
With the poignant beauty of the music echoing the composer's introspection, the last Piano Concerto carries an enigmatic aura, hinting at themes of mortality and transcendence. Mozart's poignant anticipation of the spring season through melody underscores the depth and timeless significance of his final compositions.