Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Works: Klavierwerke Vol.13, including Variations, Klavierstücke, four-hand music, and organ works
Performers: Bart van Oort, Pieter-Jan Belder, Ursula Dütschler, Luc Devos, Martin Haselböck, and others on period instruments
Recording: Various locations, 1991-2002
Label: Brilliant Classics
Mozart’s keyboard works, often overshadowed by his grander symphonic and operatic compositions, reveal a wealth of musical invention that merits renewed exploration. This comprehensive collection, part of Brilliant Classics’ complete Mozart edition, presents a wide array of his keyboard music, showcasing the composer’s playful variations and charming miniatures alongside his lesser-known works for organ and four-hand piano. Performed on period instruments, this set not only magnifies the nuanced textures of Mozart’s music but also allows listeners to experience these creations in a historically informed context.
Bart van Oort and Pieter-Jan Belder’s performances on fortepiano breathe life into the variations with a clarity that highlights their buoyant character. Notably, the variations on “Lison dormait” (KV 264) and “Ah, vous dirai-je, Maman” (KV 256) exemplify how the artists maintain a lightness while infusing each phrase with emotional depth. The technical choices—such as the use of exaggerated dynamics and articulations—underscore the playful spirit of these variations, enhancing their appeal. The fortepiano’s timbre, distinct from the modern piano, enables a responsive articulation that captures the essence of Mozart’s style, particularly in the rapid runs and delicate trills.
The recording quality throughout this set is commendably high, with each instrument’s distinct voice clearly articulated within the acoustic spaces of the recording venues. The use of period instruments, such as the harpsichord and clavichord, enriches the listening experience, providing a spectrum of sonorities that are often lost in more contemporary interpretations. The engineering captures the warmth and resonance of these instruments, allowing listeners to appreciate the subtle variances in tone and texture. Moreover, the meticulous attention to detail is evident, particularly in the organ works, where Martin Haselböck’s interpretations of the limited but exquisite organ repertoire demonstrate Mozart’s potential for greater exploration in this medium.
The collection also delves into Mozart’s four-hand pieces, which serve as an intriguing social commentary on music-making in the 18th century. The sonatas, particularly KV 381 and KV 497, reveal the collaborative spirit inherent in these works. Ursula Dütschler and Bart van Oort’s performances are marked by a remarkable synchronicity and mutual awareness, allowing the intricate dialogues between the two instruments to thrive. While these compositions may lack the structural complexity of Mozart’s more celebrated works, they are undeniably rich in charm and innovation, showcasing Mozart’s ability to craft delightful, engaging music for domestic performance.
While this set lacks the emotional profundity found in Mozart’s piano sonatas, it offers a refreshing examination of the composer’s lighter works, providing hours of engaging listening. The combination of historical authenticity, skilled interpretation, and excellent sound quality positions this collection as one of the standout entries in the Brilliant Classics Mozart Edition. Enthusiasts of Mozart’s oeuvre will find this set to be a rewarding addition, illuminating facets of the composer’s genius that are often overlooked. The sheer delight found in these miniatures, performed with such care, will surely resonate with both casual listeners and dedicated aficionados alike.
