In 1781, Mozart found a patron in Joseph II, the idealistic young ruler of Vienna, who was eager to implement reforms and took an active interest in Mozart's new career.
Performer Biography
Phillip Shovk, one of the pianists on this album, was awarded the Best Accompanist prize at the Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow in 1994.
Composition History
Mozart's Op. 2 set of six sonatas, his first Viennese publication, was dedicated to Josepha Barbara von Auernhammer, a rich bourgeoise and talented pianist who was also his piano student.
Interpretation
Stephen Yates, the arranger of these sonatas for two pianos, aimed for a transparent sound and ensured the second piano part was an equal partner, not just an accompaniment.
Composer Biography
In 1781, at age 25, Mozart was dismissed by his employer, the Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg, which freed him to pursue a career as one of the first freelance professional musicians.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded in the Verbrugghen Hall of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music in February 2013.
Instruments
The pianos used for this recording were Steinway Ds, Hamburg.
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