ABSTRACT
W. A. Mozart’s compositions are often altered in various ways, sometimes arranged into jazz or film music, sometimes used tastelessly as models for rock or trivial background music; there are many ways to diminish or spoil their value and impact as great art. Frequent use of historical keyboard instruments is a most welcome achievement that many music lovers find eminently satisfying, and the use of the “fortepiano” from Mozart’s time is greatly appreciated not only by Mozart connoisseurs. During the Mozart anniversary year 1956, there were perhaps grounds for certain dissatisfaction with the pianos of Mozart’s time—the lack of experience in making old instruments playable hindered satisfactory restorations. Mozart achieved amazing sound effects by changes of register, frequent opposition of high and low notes, hand crossings, alternations of legato and staccato, as well as full textures and two-part writing, trills in the bass.
