Who's behind the notes? Discover Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: The Prodigy Who Defined Classical Music
"Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's composition "Per questa bella mano," K. 612 is a bass aria with an unusual twist. Here are some interesting facts about this piece:
Collaborative Work: "Per questa bella mano" is a collaborative work between Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Franz Xaver Süssmayr. Mozart composed the music, and Süssmayr wrote the text for the aria. Süssmayr is perhaps best known for completing Mozart's unfinished Requiem Mass in D minor, K. 626.
Date of Composition: The aria was composed in 1791, the last year of Mozart's life. It is often associated with the period when he was working on his famous opera "The Magic Flute."
Unconventional Instrumentation: What makes this aria unique is that it features a double bass as the solo instrument alongside the bass voice. This unusual combination of a vocal and instrumental soloist adds a distinctive character to the piece.
Commemorating a Meeting: "Per questa bella mano" was composed for a special occasion. It was written to commemorate a meeting between Mozart and the distinguished double bass player, Domenico Dragonetti, who was one of the most renowned bassists of the time. The title translates to "For this beautiful hand," and it is a reference to Dragonetti's impressive bass playing.
Virtuosic Bass Playing: The aria showcases Dragonetti's virtuosity on the double bass, requiring the bassist to play challenging and expressive passages. It was a testament to the technical capabilities of the instrument and the skill of Dragonetti himself.
Subtle Humor: The text of the aria is filled with humor. It tells the story of a lover who is captivated by a beautiful woman's hand and dreams of holding it, even if the rest of her remains hidden. The playful and whimsical nature of the text complements the virtuosic music.
Rare Performance: Due to the uncommon instrumentation and the need for a talented double bassist, "Per questa bella mano" is not frequently performed. When it is, it offers a rare and memorable experience for the audience.
Continued Influence: Even though it is not as well-known as some of Mozart's other compositions, "Per questa bella mano" remains an interesting piece that highlights his ability to experiment with new sounds and instruments, even in the final years of his life.
"Per questa bella mano" is a delightful and unique composition that showcases Mozart's innovative spirit and his willingness to push the boundaries of classical music."