Search - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Helmut Winschermann, German Bach Soloists :: Mozart: Organ Sonatas & Solos

Masterful Mozart Miniatures

Polkadotty | Mountains of Western North Carolina | 07/26/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is a delightful surprise, and long in coming for this particular listener. Some ten years ago I purchased a book shop edition of Mozart's works on the now defunct Pilz label and discovered, buried there among the Eine Kleine Nachtmusik and the Overtures and one truly hideous Coronation Mass, a little enigmatic piece simply known as 'Kirchensonate C Major KV 165'. To the neglect of the rest of the tracks I played this sparkling miniature over and over and over, completely captivated. I'd no idea that it was a part of seventeen such Epistle or Church Sonatas ('Sonate da chiesa') Mozart composed in Salzburg during the period of 1772 until 1780, or when he was between the ages of 16 and 24 years old, as part of his duties as a musical servant of Archbishop Prince Colloredo of Salzburg. Used to bridge the liturgical gap between the singing of the Epistle and the singing of the Gospel at Mass, they are scored for two violins, bass instrument and organ ~ although three of them, intended for days of greater ceremony, involve a slightly larger ensemble.



Perhaps the tender age of the composer explains why these are such joyous works, brimful of uplifting melody and lighthearted exaltation. Here is music praising a benevolent God, a kindly Father. Concentrated and imaginative ~ the epitome of inspiring and elevating with their bright melodies and quick tempi ~ I can imagine how these would sound performed inside of a great cathedral, the music swirling in brilliant waves and echoing from the rafters, filling the worshippers with a satisfying taste of Mozart's particular brand of heaven. As it is, Daniel Chorzempa performs admirably with help from the German Bach Soloists conducted by Helmut Winschermann. A top drawer ensemble, and no question.



Heartening, moving, inspirational, stirring. A most delightful, eloquent foray into the sacred side of the supreme young genius of W. A. Mozart. Highly recommended!

"

The King of All Instruments per the King of All Music

gayle714 | Oceanside, CA USA | 02/18/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

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"The organ is in my eyes and ears the king of all instruments." - W.A. Mozart



"I told Herr Stein I would love to try out his organ because organ playing was my real passion." - W.A. Mozart



(English translations: Mozart's Letters, Mozart's Life; Robert Spaethling; ISBN 0-393-04719-9)



These statements really pleased me, as I am a great lover of both Mozart and pipe organs. Church organs have entranced me all my life, and Mo, well, what can one say?



Currently there is only one other review of this title and it is a wonderfully-written piece. I agree with every word of it and wish I could add something not already expressed. Unfortunately I possess neither musical expertise nor the gift of words, but I do want to express my pure delight with these recordings.



The 17 epistles, composed for his church, are Mozart perfection. The Adagio and Allegro (K. 594) and Fantasia (K. 608), both in F minor (and written for what he purportedly considered loathesome purposes [see liner notes for details]) are true works of divine inspiration (humble opinion) and are my most highly prized of all the gems in this collection.



The first time I heard this recording of Fantasia, I wept; each time I hear it every hair on my body stands on end. These pieces are truly masterpieces, played divinely by this rich ensemble.



Deepest devotions to Daniel Chorzempa; many thanks to the German Bach Soloists and Helmut Winschermann. You guys all rock.



Also my thanks to the label: Phillips Complete Mozart Collection always has the best artists and most excellent recording quality, and I highly recommend the entire series to everyone. (As god is my witness, I WILL own the entire Complete Collection one day.)

"