Kyrgyzstan 8.9.2016
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born on January 27, 1756 in Salzburg. He died on December 5, 1791 in Vienna. In December 2016 we commemorate his 225th death anniversary.
From his father Mozart early received intensive musical training, traveled as a “child prodigy” throughout Europe and in 1769 became court music director of the Prince Archbishop of Salzburg. Today, Mozart is known primarily for his operas and his orchestral music. Less well known is Mozart’s sacred music that – with few exceptions – long led a shadowy existence. It was considered not liturgy, too worldly and operatic. Among the approximately 80 works are 15 full masses, several oratorios, vespers and litanies. Nearly all church works were created during his Salzburg period 1756 -1781. Mozart composed these mainly for services in Salzburg Cathedral on behalf of his Archiepiscopal masters.
The video shows Mozart’s “Mater Amabilis” for soprano and mixed choir, performed by the Polymnia Choral Society Melrose, Massachusetts (Soloist: Teresa Wakim)