September Concert Prelude: “The Demonic in Mozart”

Anthony Martin, violin and viola,  joins us to pose the question “what’s so special about D minor?”

The Piano Concerto in D minor (K466) that Robert Levin will play with Philharmonia Baroque in their season opener is one of a very few pieces written in that key by Mozart. There are no symphonies in that key, no sonatas, no piano trios, just an unfinished piano fantasy, two string quartets and the openings of the Overture to Don Giovanni and the Requiem. What was so special to Mozart about this dark key?

The New Esterházy Quartet will present some musical examples and observations on the place of D minor in Mozart’s work in September’s Prelude lectures, beginning 45 minutes before the start of each concert. It’s not just the key, but a special collection of expressive devices—rhythmic, harmonic, melodic—that Mozart uses to give D minor its demonic character that the quartet will explore for Philharmonia Baroque’s audiences. This presentation will get audiences in the mood to experience Mozart’s “dark side” in the turbulent Piano Concerto to follow.