Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - 4. Dissatisfied in Vienna
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) Episode 4 of 5: Dissatisfied in Vienna
He took the 'land of the clavier', Vienna, by storm, becoming something of a pioneer in composing piano concertos, this week Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
In 1786, Mozart organised a number of subscription concerts at the Burgtheatre in Vienna. At these events he performed his latest music, including the Concerto No 23 in A major K488 for piano and orchestra. His popularity as a concert pianist had by now peaked, and Mozart was frustrated that he'd still not been able to secure a position at court.
Mozart now cancelled any further subscription concerts, and considered moving to France or England where he thought the prospects were better. The Emperor Joseph II upon hearing the rumours that Mozart was planning to leave, promptly offered him the post of chamber musician. Set against this good fortune, was the tragic news that Mozart's father Leopold had died. Around this time of grief Mozart composed relatively little, but he did complete his opera Don Giovanni K527.
00:02 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Le Nozze Di Figaro - Opera In 4 Acts K.492 - Extracts Conductor: Ferdinand Leitner. Orchestra: Berliner Philharmoniker.
00:08 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Concerto No. 23 In A Major K.488 For Piano And Orchestra Performer: Alfred Brendel. Orchestra: Academy of St Martin in the Fields. Conductor: Sir Neville Marriner.
00:37 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Quintet In C Major K.515 For Strings - 3rd movement; Andante Performer: Irmgard Schaller. Performer: Emilio Moreno. Performer: Chiara Banchini. Performer: Enrico Gatti. Performer: Käthi Gohl.
00:48 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Don Giovanni - Opera In 2 Acts K.527 - Act 2; Singer: Johannes Weisser. Conductor: René Jacobs. Singer: Lorenzo Regazzo. Orchestra: Freiburger Barockorchester.
First broadcast: 07 May 2015 (b05sy53t) http://vk.com/wall-71199334_74