Mozart: Complete Solo Piano Music, Vol. 5

Featuring

Ronald Brautigam
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

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Critical Reception

Despite his creative power, Mozart's reputation declined in the final years of his life, with critics finding his music too difficult for the public of the time.

Interpretation

Ronald Brautigam, the performer on this album, has developed a reputation as a leading exponent of the fortepiano, with a particular interest in Mozart's music for the instrument.

Historical Context

Mozart's music was considered too difficult for the public of his time; for example, his opera Don Giovanni was dismissed as a 'monk's farce' by a Frankfurt periodical.

Composition History

Many of Mozart's later piano sonatas, including KV 333, were previously misidentified as 'Paris Sonatas' from 1778, but paper analysis in 1986 proved they were composed in 1783.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Mozart often improvised his piano sonatas and variations in concerts, making it unnecessary for him to write them down, a practice now almost exclusively restricted to jazz.

Composer Biography

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was considered one of the greatest piano virtuosos of his era, though his skills as a keyboard player are commonly overlooked today.

Instruments

Mozart's keyboard works were often labelled 'Cembalo' (harpsichord) in original scores, leading to debate among experts about which instrument he actually intended.