Portrait of Mozart Photo: Barbara Krafft, Public Domain
This quartet acquired its nick-name in the 19th century on account of its harmonically adventurous introduction.
The introduction is unsettling to listen to. When the score came out in 1785 people thought it was audacious - Italian music dealers returned the scores to the publisher because they believed it was full of mistakes. One Hungarian prince was so upset hearing it played by his household quartet that he tore up the music. Even Haydn was shocked, but he defended Mozart by saying, “Well, if Mozart wrote it, he must have meant it?”
The searching and ethereal introduction is the perfect emotional foil for the brilliant and sunny music that follows. Eventually the so-called “wrong notes” transform into cheeky ones. Listen out for the incredible dynamic contrasts – these abrupt loud to soft contrasts are the influence of Haydn who was Mozart’s friend and colleague.
Recorded 26 August 2018, St. Andrew's on The Terrace, Wellington by RNZ Concert
Sound engineer: Darryl Stack
