Franz Xaver Mozart's Polonaises mélancoliques are characterized by numerous expression marks for dynamics and tempo, sometimes contradictory, which set them apart from his father's sparser indications.
Composition History
Franz Xaver Mozart moved to Galicia (now part of Ukraine) at age 17 to escape family pressure and pursue his own musical identity, where he composed many of his polonaises.
Critical Reception
A contemporary critic of Franz Xaver Mozart's Op. 22 Polonaises described them as having a 'gentle, moderate melancholy' rather than 'dark despondence or gloomy passion'.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded in Munich at Studio 2 of Bayerischer Rundfunk between December 17-19, 2016.
Composer Biography
Franz Xaver Mozart, the youngest son of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, was born only four months before his famous father's death.
Composer Biography
Franz Xaver Mozart was often referred to as 'Wolfgang Amadeus Sohn' (junior) and even published his music under that name, though he never objected to it.
Composer Biography
Franz Xaver Mozart's mother, Constanze, decided when he was two years old that he should follow in his father's musical footsteps, leading to immense pressure from childhood.
