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 said 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—the stormy opening bars of his Symphony No. 25 open the film Amadeus. The opening bars 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