Mozart provided a steady output of Masses during his time at the court in Salzburg. The fine Missa brevis in G major was composed in 1768 when Mozart was just twelve years old. The theatrical and inventive 'Credo' Mass in C major, from 1776, is regarded as one of Mozart's finest achievements from this period. The profound key of D minor for the Missa brevis, K. 65 reflects it's use at a 40-hour vigil, while the affectionate nickname 'Spatzenmesse' ('Sparrow Mass') for the Missa brevis in C major refers to the chirping nature of the Sanctus.

The recording of Mozart's Piano Concertos No. 20 and 24 is intended as a contrasting twin project to the first recording of No. 15 and 21 released on the Solo Musica label in 2024. The two recordings are like the "yin" and the "yang," the moon and the sun, demonstrating the multifaceted nature of Mozart's creativity. As a pianist, Zhen Chen wants to demonstrate his ability to develop and perform works of different artistic modes. Furthermore, since the pianist and the orchestra remain the same in the two recordings and only the baton has been changed-from the hand of the Austrian conductor Thomas Rosner to the French conductor Paul Meyer-these two recordings are an interesting pair, allowing listeners to savor the difference in the artistic direction of the two conductors. No. 15 and 21 are, in his opinion, the quintessential Mozart piano concertos in major key. They are gleeful, humorous, and uplifting, while No. 20 and 24 are the rare gems of Mozart's multi-movement piano works in minor keys. Out of a total of 27, he composed only two piano concertos in minor keys. They are among the few works by Mozart dominated by an unsettling and gloomy sense.

The recording breathes the playful spirit of Mozart's time - Goebel's expertise in the repertoire of this period combined with the technical refinement of the ensemble guarantee a musical finest hour. "By means of lucid sound design, coherent phrasing and a style-conscious use of ornamentation, Goebel succeeds in giving the altogether rather lightweight works back their dignity, so to speak." concerti

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

The music on this recording was written between 1772 and 1782, largely during Mozart's difficult time in Salzburg employed as Konzertmeister under the regime of Prince-Archbishop Colloredo. Transcribed for keyboard from orchestral originals by Mozart himself, these dances were composed as part of his court duties and they reflect both the tastes of the day, and Mozart's facility in refining popular genres into stylish pieces with his typical grace and panache. As an exception, the March No. 1 in C major was mentioned by Mozart's widow Constanze as a piece 'my husband of blessed memory composed for me'.

What should we say in addition to the evidence? This has been considered one of the recordings of reference of Mozart masterpiece. The stellar cast fits perfectly with the characters conceived by the Italian libretist and the Austrian composer. Everything, here, is perfect and supported by a great recording technique.

Classical Music

The grandeur of Mozart's Missa solemnis in C minor 'Waisenhausmesse' caused Viennese scholars to doubt how it could have been composed by a twelve-year old boy. The Mass was written for the consecration of a new Orphanage Church in Vienna with an expanded orchestra, and it's premiere was conducted by Mozart himself 'to the general approbation and admiration of everyone'. Mozart often made use of the purity of C major in his Masses - the Missa brevis is a remarkable model of compactness, while the Missa solemnis is Mozart's last complete Mass.

This captivating collection celebrates the timeless sounds of the historic city Salzburg. Under the expert baton of Reinhard Goebel, renowned conductor and professor of historical performance practice at the Salzburg Mozarteum, this recording transports you through the vibrant tapestry of musical culture that defines Salzburg. The Mozarteumorchester Salzburg, celebrated for it's unparalleled interpretation of Mozart's style, takes you on an exhilarating journey through the organ sonatas, exploring how they seamlessly transition into other stylistic periods.

*** This title is a reissue of a Japanese release with liner notes in Japanese. ***