Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Symphony No. 35 "Haffner", Piano Concerto No. 24

Featuring

Christian Erny
Hans-Jürg Strub
Württembergische Philharmonie Reutlingen
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

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Composition History

Mozart's Symphony No. 35, K 385, known as the 'Haffner' Symphony, was originally an eight-movement serenade commissioned by the wealthy merchant Sigmund Haffner for his ennoblement.

Composition History

Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 24 in C minor, K. 491, was completed in March 1786, shortly before the premiere of his groundbreaking opera 'Figaro'.

Recording & Production

The cadenza for the first movement of the Piano Concerto K. 491 on this recording was chosen by Hans-Jürg Strub, who copied it from a Clara Haskil recording during his student days.

Compositional Technique

The first movement of Mozart's 'Haffner' Symphony is a prime example of his monothematic composition, where the main theme appears in about five variants.

Critical Reception

Mozart's Piano Concerto in C minor, K. 491, was one of his most frequently performed piano concertos in the 19th century, alongside the D-minor concerto, due to its dark and emotional character.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Mozart's music rarely contains 'filler voices'; instead, every small musical cell is meticulously developed and imbued with its own life, contributing to its profound humanity.

Composition History

Mozart transformed his 'Haffner' Serenade into a four-movement symphony for a Viennese academy performance, expanding the instrumentation with flutes and clarinets.