Mozart: Piano Concertos Nos. 15, K. 450 & 27, K. 595

Featuring

Gordan Nikolić
Martin Helmchen
Nederlands Kamerorkest
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

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Composer Biography

In 1781, Wolfgang Amadé Mozart made the audacious decision to become a freelance musician in Vienna, rather than seeking permanent court or church employment.

Historical Context

Mozart ecstatically called Vienna 'Pianoland' due to the abundance of good pianos in the city, which helped him establish his career as a freelance musician.

Compositional Technique

In Piano Concerto No. 15, K. 450, Mozart gave independent and indispensable parts to the wind instruments, a departure from earlier concertos where winds often doubled strings.

Composition History

Piano Concerto No. 27, K. 595, composed in 1791, is Mozart's last piano concerto and its premiere was his final public appearance as a pianist.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Mozart believed that 'The heart ennobles man,' asserting that honor came from within, not from noble birth or titles.

Composition History

Mozart often had to compose new pieces on the spot for his concerts, as he was required to present new material at every performance.

Composer Biography

Mozart's income as a freelance musician came from four sources: giving lessons, composition commissions, royalties from published works, and ticket sales from his own concerts.