Mozart – Don Giovanni

[ April 17th, 2009 | No Comments » | by Jason Andrews ]

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born January 27, 1756 and died December 5, 1791. Most anyone has heard of his name although they might not be able to put any of his music to it. He was and always will be one of the most extraordinary composers in our history. He wrote well over 500 symphonies alone. As well as numerous other pieces including operas, concertos and more.

He was born a genius, that much is known. He was able to and did quiet frequently write whole symphonies (including the individual parts for the performers) in under 2 days. He could remember a piece in it’s entry and replicate each part, note for note in only one listening. In one such instance he was able to reproduce a piece that the Vatican had the only known score for. It was a piece that was held for only the most special occasions and Mozart being a child prodigy was one such. After listening to the choir, Amadeus immediately went to work and wrote the whole thing down. No longer was it a well-kept secret.

His style is that of what some might consider the stereotypical sound of the Classical Era. His music is very intellectual and formal. There’s very little surprises in his much but it’s always beautiful.

One of his best known Operas is Don Giovanni. Again, many people have heard this name but have nothing to put it to. Well, here’s your chance to get it all together. This is one his most well known and loved operas. The libretto was written by Da Ponte and the two act opera was completed in 1787 and is based on the legend of Don Juan. Don Giovanni thought that no one could ever compare themselves to him in any way shape or form. He was above them all.

Here is a clip of what’s known as the “Commendatore scene”.

Tagged under: classical era, classical music, Mozart, opera