After Archbishop Colloredo granted him with a leave of absence from his service at the court of Salzburg, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart set out with his mother for Paris on September 23, 1777. On the way, they visited Munich, Augsburg and Mannheim, cities where the twenty-one-year-old musician from Salzburg did his best to be admitted as a court composer. Sometimes he thought he was succeeding and so he let his father know by letter. Annoyed, Leopold would recall him that he would better stop being naive and not forget that the purpose and final destination of his trip was Paris.
Mozart in Mannheim, 1777 - 78
But Mozart had been delighted with Mannheim. He had arrived there with his mother on October 30. There the winter caught them, so the project of continuing to travel to Paris had to be put off, a delay that did not bother Mozart because before the end of the year he would be taking an active part in the musical life of the city. He established a strong friendship with several musicians –although not fruitful if we recall the ultimate goal–, even establishing a solid relationship with the conductor of the Mannheim orchestra, the Konzertmeister Christian Cannabich, who seemed to be always a little lost and from whom he could only hope empty promises that led nowhere.
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| Aloysia Weber |
Leopold, the father, must reengage him again, by letter. But Amadeus has been caught up in new affairs and has decided to start the new year 1778 by falling madly in love. The girl's name: Aloysia Weber, fifteen years old, beautiful, with an exquisite voice, and a professional singer-to-be.
Mozart informed the father of his plans: he will travel to Italy with the Webers for Aloysia to develop her profession. Amadeus will compose for her, and Aloysia will conquer Milan with her charming voice. A magnificent project.
Leopold received the news and wasted no time in pouring cold water on the insane idea, commanded his son to leave for Paris immediately. He reminded him of how in debt he was as a result of his trip and his mother's, and informed him that now he was dressing poorly and eating cheap food.
Wolfgang Amadeus, twenty-two years old but still under the tutelage of his father, responded right away: "We will leave for Paris in a week."
Piano Sonata No. 9
Konzertmeister Cannabich had a thirteen-year-old daughter, Rosina, who played the piano quite well. Wolfgang composed a sonata for her. It is not clear which one, but it is most likely the one we hear here, sonata No. 9 in D major, K. 311.
The sonata is in three movements, and its complete performance lasts about 15 minutes.
00:00 Allegro con spirito
04:15 Andante con espressione
08:37 Rondo-allegro
The rendition is by the maestro Daniel Barenboim.
