Jin, Jiayu - Marius Bartoccini - Simone Pierini
Franz Xaver Mozart: Complete Lieder
Franz Xaver Wolfgang Mozart was born in Vienna in 1791, mere months before his father's demise, a figure he would come to know solely through his mother's narratives. Constanze endeavored to shape him into a musical prodigy, providing opportunities to study under esteemed tutors such as Albrechtsberger, Hummel, and Salieri. He worked extensively as a musician in many important European cities, and obtaining recognition and appreciation. In public perception, Franz Xaver Mozart often unfairly occupies the fringe as a composer, noted primarily for his familial link. However, he deserves greater appreciation and recognition in his own right, for the beauty of his music and not just for his parentage. This recording brings together his oeuvre as a composer of Lieder, characterized by nuanced renditions of the lyrics in an atmosphere which is closer to Biedermeier than to Romanticism "proper". Recognizing that numerous Lieder by Franz Xaver remain unaccounted for, this album is a pioneering attempt to capture his complete Lieder works on contemporary instruments, adhering closely to the historical practices and musical language of the early 19th century. The utilization of first editions, improvisation in repetitive parts, the introduction of cadenzas (many of which were improvised during the recording session), and the employment of an 1822 Vienna-built fortepiano by Matthias Mr all aim to deliver a performance that resonates with the style and musical traditions of Franz Xaver Mozart's time.