Mozart: Duo Sonatas, Vol. 1

Featuring

Catherine Mackintosh
Geoffrey Govier
Duo Amadè
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

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Composition History

The first edition of Mozart's violin sonatas, KV 301-306, was titled 'Six sonatas for harpsichord or fortepiano with accompaniment of a violin… Opus 1', suggesting the keyboard was the primary instrument.

Composition History

Mozart's KV 301-306 sonatas, often called his 'Mannheim' sonatas, were a 'new departure' for the 22-year-old composer, who designated them 'Opus 1' despite earlier published works.

Critical Reception

Mozart's chamber music was considered 'too highly seasoned' and 'not to everyone's taste' by some contemporaries due to its 'overwhelming and unrelenting artfulness'.

Historical Context

In the 18th century, societal gender roles meant daughters often played keyboard instruments, while sons played violin, leading to repertoire that gave greater responsibility to the keyboard.

Historical Context

In Mozart's time, violin sonatas like those on this recording were typically played in private settings, from middle-class parlors to grand music rooms, often without an audience.

Interpretation

Duo Amadè, Catherine Mackintosh (violin) and Geoffrey Govier (fortepiano), believe that performing Mozart's violin sonatas on period instruments brings a unique freshness and vitality.

Composer Biography

Mozart composed the sonatas KV 301-306 in Paris after an unsuccessful attempt to secure a permanent post in Mannheim and a romantic disappointment with Aloysia Weber.