This well-known portrait of Mozart isn’t what Mozart actually looked like, due to the fact that his portrait was painted only after his death and using details given by his wife.
Prior to a Mozart celebration concert by the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO), Kenneth Delong, music critic, and the Calgary Philharmonic Chorus gave a brief introduction into the background of our celebrated composer.
Mozart was a prodigal composer in the Classical Era, composing over 600 works for piano, choral, chamber and symphonic music. Already composing at the age of 5, by the age of 17 he was the court musician of the Salzberg Court. Hardworking and dedicating long hours to his compositions, Mozart worked at a fantastic pace to complete pieces at their deadlines. He advanced the emotional and technical aspects of music and incorporated much of the features of Baroque into his own music.
Antonio Salieri was a Italian composer and an envious rival and lived in the shadows of Mozart’s genius. Kenneth DeLong had compared the nature of both composer’s works, along the lines of, “…both musicians can be described like ice cream… Mozart and Salieri were both ice cream sundaes, but Mozart’s creation was the one you wanted.”
Mozart and Salieri- A Requiem for Mozart was an excellent performance surrounding the mysterious death of the great Mozart. Salieri’s rivalry with Mozart had been interpreted and reconstructed into theatre, film and opera. The infamous rumour of Salieri’s contributing role in Mozart’s death is expressed in this concert.
Opera was sung in Russian, and was wonderfully accompanied by subtitles overhead. Of course, many times, I would knowingly dismiss the subtitles, as the actors body language and beautiful voices often translated the meaning of the story for me. English wasn’t needed to enjoy the powerful and emotionally riveting performances.
Mozart and Salieri, Op. 48 is a short one-act, two character opera intensifying the rumour of Salieri’s murder of Mozart. The first scene displays Salieri, a baritone (John Avey) singing the tale of the good fortune that graces Mozart, having been given a talent that is greater than his own. Salieiri successfully plays off the emotions and anticipation of the audience, dramatically expressing his sorrow and jealously he clearly feels toward his enlightened rival, Mozart. Mozart, a tenor (Fernando Portari), struts gallantly into what could only be described as Salieri’s living room or lavish office, and starts to play a piece on the piano he has just composed. Elegant and confident, Mozart is portrayed as a carefree and liberal character, slightly passive to the genius he possesses. Salieri cunningly suggests to Mozart that they should dine together. At this time, Salieri mounts a amazing and apprehensive climax as he vow he shall kill his rival. Salieri’s overwhelming and emotional voice stresses his anger, jealously and contempt of his oppression of his inability to escape Mozart’s shadow, and the fear for Mozart is paramount.
In scene two, Mozart reveals to Salieri the haunts that pester him, surrounding the Requiem he has written and the stranger that commissioned him. Salieri poisons Mozart’s wine cup, and after Mozart departs suddenly feeling ill from effects of the poision, Salieiri contemplates his decision. On the stage, Salieri’s slow body language and the powerfully remorseful tone of his voice indicates his regret of poisoning the great musician, having removed from the world a great talent and man.
Wonderfully incorporating the voices of Elizabeth Turnbull, the mezzo soprano and Rosana Lamosa, the soprano, in the aria “Alfin Son Sola…Sola E Mesta ” from Salieri’s opera La Cifra, and the Overture and the aria, ” Or Sai, Chi L’Onore” from the Mozart’s Don Giovanni, the women enchantingly capture the audience and draws them to follow their character in the operas of Mozart and Salieri.
It was a real treat to hear the overwhelming sound of the the Calgary Philharmonic Chorus (after ballet, the orchestra, other various styles of dance, an organ, and now opera, I was highly anticipating the grand chorus). It was my favourite part of the evening, and hopefully WeiJia (my fellow arts and culture blogger) agrees as well.
The Calgary Philharmonic Chorus powerfully sang Mozart’s unfinished work on for a Requiem Mass, the Requiem, K.626. , Mozart’s final masterpiece, the score finishing at the piece, Lacrimosa. Showcasing the musical genius of Mozart, as the piece reveals the realization of Mozart that he will die. Written as a religious piece, the eerie bell tolling and the mourners of a funeral were the images I envisioned, as the lyrics screamed of a fearful contemplation of an afterlife and for God’s mercy. The heavy and powerful tone of the choir was remarkable, the deep and penetrating voices surrounded the concert hall in a musical typhoon and crashing waves of sound.
Having dabbled in a choir for only a year and possessing a small understanding of the beauty of many voices joined in harmony, the Calgary Philharmonic Chorus was, however, a magnificent and an impressive departure. I recommend everyone to hear especially watch the live performance of this incredible choir, as it is an unique experience unlike any other.
Thanks to the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra for providing WeiJia and I excellent seats to this performance! I recommend for all, young and old, to enjoy the majesty and uplifting music of the Jack Singer Concert Hall!
Requiem is a power piece requiring equally powerful singers and I'm sure they delivered. Though I didn't attend this concert I have heard the CPC sing Haydn's Seasons with the Spiritus Chamber Choir. The experience was worth way more than the ticket price.
Thanks Tonny! I know right?! Really powerful choir =) You should definitely watch a requiem sung by the CPC! I agree with you, the experience of watching the choir was priceless! How was the other concert you watched?
It was great, though through random events we missed like 2 movements. But even though we missed parts of it, it was still wonderful. Should really take out more time to enjoy the arts again.
Cool article twin! =D We need to see more awesome concerts like this.
Yes we shall =) All the concerts we've been to have been great! It's great to see variation and the diveristy of music! Can't wait to read your fabulous article WeiJia.
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