Mozart was known to improvise music at gatherings. This was a common practice at the time. Sometimes there would be events with several keyboardists dueling it out trying to outdo each other! Naturally, Mozart astounded audiences with these displays of instant composition.
Mozart Fantasies offer a glimpse as to what his improvisations were like.
Mozart composed very few fantasies. He also composed only a few pieces in minor keys, although most of them are among his finest compositions. Unlike most of Mozart’s works which have very well defined Classical form, in his fantasies, he explores flights of fancy that drift seamlessly from one idea to another. The D Minor Fantasy is captivating from beginning to end keeping you wondering what is coming next!
19 thoughts on “Mozart Fantasy in D Minor”
I am impressed by your contrasting uses of tempo. I have never heard that before in this piece. Very interesting ti listen to.
Thank you
I try to stay true to the score. You can see the tempo changes Mozart indicated here in this urtext edition of the score: https://imslp.eu/files/imglnks/euimg/6/6b/IMSLP167208-PMLP01869-Mozart,_Wofgang_Amadeus-NMA_09_27_Band_02_I_06_KV_397_filter.pdf
I commend you for it. I have to admit though it is refreshing to hear.
It’s amazing that when you follow the score precisely, how the music comes to life. Mozart knew what he was doing!
Very lovely. Thank you.
Hello Robert, BEAUTIFUL performance. I’m a Piano Technician by trade. Wolfgang is a HUGE reason why I fell in love with the instrument in the first place. I hope to meet you one of these days.
If you are ever in Cleveland (or want to move to Cleveland!) we can always use another good piano technician!
This is such a beautiful piece and very well played!
The second part reminds me of the beginning of the area of Gluck. I wonder who inspired who (weren’t they contemporaries?).
The beginning arpeggios of Mozart’s Fantasy also reminds me of the first part of Heino Kaski’s, Yö meren rannalla, Op. 34 No1 ~ (Night By The Sea.).
All three are on my ‘to play list”. I wonder what grade Mozart’s fantasia is (I have only been playing for three years.)
Playing Mozart well is always a great challenge. Technically, there are moments of difficulty. Yet most of it lays under the hands quite well!
Maestro – Have never been a big fan of Mozart, but you’re full of surprises. And, I guess, so is Mozart! I like the dynamics very much. Actually, the entire piece kept me wondering what would be next. Thank you.
There is a far wider range of music of Mozart than many people know of!
Are you absolutely sure that you’re not a big fan of Mozart??? Just in case you missed these, Piano Sonata in B-flat, K.333, Piano Sonata in B-flat, K.570, Sonata for Two Pianos in D, K.448 & Sonata for Piano & Violin in A, K.526. A small sampling of a far larger catalog. Please keep an open mind. This music came directly from Heaven.
There is also the Mozart Requiem: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zi8vJ_lMxQI&ab_channel=madhammu
Thanks it’s great to hear you play this after i worked on it for months. You play it so beautifully!
So glad you enjoyed the performance!
Thank you Robert, wonderful interpretation,. Sensitivity attuned to the dynamics, phrasing, arm weight etc. An example of practising what you preach!
After telling students what to do all the time, it’s a real pleasure to be able to sit down and work on music myself!
I was instantly gripped by this performance and did not turn away for a moment across its entire duration. Your planning and the decisions you made about the range of dynamics, far from detracting from spontaneity, allowed the music to blossom and take flight. Rhythm and color moved from your imagination to sound. I hope you won’t mind if I say — not that this is your best, but that it is certainly my favorite of all your playing that I’ve heard.
That is really good to hear – thank you for letting me know!