The Genius of Mozart drew performers and audience alike into a rich exploration of musical history. Performed on a fortepiano modelled after an 1805 Walter & Sohn instrument, the concert encouraged a historically informed encounter with Mozart’s world.
Early works, including the very first creation of five-year-old Mozart – numbered K1a and played by Marianna – revealed the precocity of the composer’s childhood. This was contrasted with late works, including the very last Allegro in G minor K312 as interpreted by Ray, which was incomplete at the time of the great composer’s death. The Mirror Duet for two violins was a light-hearted diversion, with one line of music played forwards by Rose, and the same line played backwards at the same time by Chloe.
The concert connected the musical performances with broader questions of cultural context and artistic intention, as the students adapted to the historical instrument and sound world of the 18th century. The idea of Mozart’s genius was explored through the child prodigy works as well as the inspiration of his mature years, and the way it was constructed over the course of history through the stories that have circulated.
The event demonstrated how engaging with music of the past can spark curiosity, invite re-interpretation, and encourage students to think creatively about culture, both historical and contemporary, and how it can shape the way we perform and hear music today.
