Lecture Notes on Mozart Improvisation

Introduction

• The lecture aims to illustrate the importance and practicality of improvisation in Mozart's music.
• Mozart's ability to improvise was central to his creative persona.
• The lecture includes historical context and live improvisation.

Historical Context

• Improvisation was crucial in the creative persona of Mozart.
• Mozart improvised cadenzas in piano concertos and embellishments during performances.
• Public concerts of Mozart included standalone solo improvisations.

Evidence of Improvisation

• Mozart's manuscripts reveal his improvisational skills.
• An example: a manuscript in 16-year-old Mozart's handwriting decorating another composer's work.
• Mozart's improvisation technique involved decorating repeats in compositions.

Mozart's Piano Works

• Example: Second movement of the C minor Piano Sonata written for Teresa von Trattner.
• Distinction between "Kenner" (connoisseurs) and amateurs as described by C.P.E. Bach.
• Mozart's Sonata serves as a treatise in ornamentation and improvisation.

Documentation of Improvisation

• Manuscripts of decorated versions of pieces indicate Mozart's improvisational approach.
• Example of manuscript for piano concertos revealing expected improvisation by the soloist.

Interpretation of Improvised Passages

• Mozart’s written music suggests room for spontaneity and improvisation during performances.
• Example: Passages in concertos where orchestras play while the soloist improvises.

Case Studies of Improvisation

• Example: Manuscript of the D Major Piano Concerto with improvisational passages.
• Importance of dynamics and embellishments in Mozart's improvisations.
• Handwritten manuscripts by students and contemporaries like Barbara Ployer reflecting Mozart's style.

Cadenzas and Improvisation

• Cadenzas were often improvised and tailored for each performance.
• Mozart's cadenzas adhered to specific principles, such as not modulating to different keys.

Mozart’s Methodology

• Mozart calculated bar counts in his compositions reflecting structured improvisation.
• Anecdote about Mozart’s careful planning and architectural sense in music creation.

Conclusion

• Improvisation was integral to Mozart's music, contributing to its timeless appeal.
• The lecture concluded with a live improvisation based on audience suggestions of Mozart-related themes.

Key Takeaways

• The centrality of improvisation in Mozart's music is supported by historical documents and analysis.
• Improvisation added depth and expressiveness to performances, aligning with the aesthetic expectations of Mozart’s time.