Many of Mozart's viola pieces, including those on this album, were not commissioned works but were written for him to play with friends in intimate chamber settings.
Interpretation
The performers on this album aimed for a lively and quick interpretation of Mozart's music, incorporating discussions on repeats and ornaments to reflect the spontaneous character of the music.
Composition History
The 'Kegelstatt' Trio in E-flat major, K. 498, was reportedly composed by the 30-year-old Mozart in 1786 during a game of skittles.
Composition History
Mozart composed the Duo in G major, K. 423, for violin and viola, to help his friend Michael Haydn (brother of Joseph Haydn), who was struggling to complete a commission for the prince-archbishop of Salzburg.
Instruments
Mozart himself owned and played a viola, which is described as having a dark and melancholic sound, contrasting with the typical 'iridescent colors of Classicism'.
Composition History
The 'Kegelstatt' Trio was first performed at the home of botany professor Nikolaus Jacquin, with Mozart playing viola, court clarinettist Anton Stadler on clarinet, and Jacquin's daughter, Franziska Jacquin, on keyboard.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Nils Mönkemeyer, the violist on this album, suggests that Mozart may have sought a 'veiled' rather than a brilliant tone from the viola.
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Michael Haydn: Divertimenti
Mozart: Divertimento, K. 205; March, K. 290; Cassation, K. 99
