Survey the entire catalog of Mozart’s music (side note: that ‘K’ you always see after the title of a piece by Mozart refers to the catalog) and you will find very few pieces designated in a minor key. Therefore, the music by Mozart framed in a minor key takes on special meaning by dint of its relative scarcity. And when it comes to minor keys, G minor makes a strong case for Mozart’s favorite. Think of the stormy beginning of his Symphony No. 25, which opens the film Amadeus. The first few measures of his Symphony No. 40 have disrupted concerts innumerable as a cellphone ringtone. And in his chamber output, the late String Quintet in G minor spins to epic proportions.
Here, Mozart begins with a forceful rhythmic unison one would be forgiven for attributing to Beethoven. Perhaps young Beethoven was listening. Yet, as forceful as the opening motif is, you know Mozart liked a good party. And the clouds rarely hang about Mozart very long. We’ll chase them away together at Pepper Bridge Winery.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Piano Quartet in G minor, K. 478 (1785)
I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Rondo
Artists: Timothy Christie, viola; Norbert Lewandowski, cello; Ronaldo Rolim, piano; Maria Sampen, violin