Mozart's Pride in His Works: A Comprehensive Analysis

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's career as a prolific and influential composer spanned many genres and forms. His pride in his works was evident in his own personal evaluations and the admiration he received from his contemporaries and later generations. This analysis explores the works that Mozart felt most proud of, with a focus on his operas and piano concertos.

Operas and Pride

Mozart had an immense repertoire of operas, and he often expressed particular pride in these works. He described some operas as his favorites, and these were undoubtedly Le Nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro) and Die Zauberfl?te (The Magic Flute). In his letters, he expressed deep connections to these operas and excitement about their compositions. Here are some highlights:

Le Nozze di Figaro

Le Nozze di Figaro, composed in 1786, is widely considered one of Mozart’s greatest achievements. As an opera buffa (comic opera), it features sharp wit, complex characters, and memorable melodies. Mozart viewed this opera with immense pride, often referring to it as a favorite and expressing his deep satisfaction with its creation. In his correspondence, he wrote:

Mozart wrote back to his friend: 'I have now had enough of opera, and I want to be done with it. I'm going to make a sort of musical satire. I'm writing Le Nozze di Figaro for my Countess'

Die Zauberfl?te (The Magic Flute)

Mozart’s last completed opera, Die Zauberfl?te, is renowned for its blend of comic and serious elements, as well as its philosophical and allegorical overtones. It remains one of his most beloved works, celebrated for its beautiful music and intricate plot. Mozart’s pride in this piece is evident in his personal regard for it. While it was never explicitly stated that he considered it his best work, his enthusiasm and the effort he invested in it speak volumes:

"If I could be sure of finishing the Zauberfl?te, I myself would think myself incapable of a greater happiness than would be mine if I could complete the Zauberfl?te."

Piano Concertos and Pride

In addition to his operas, Mozart composed 27 piano concertos, a significant portion of which he created during his short but prolific life. Among these, the Piano Concerto No. 5 in D major, K. 175, stands out as a standout favorite. This concerto is illustrative of Mozart's pride in his early works as a pianist-composer:

Piano Concerto No. 5 in D major, K. 175

Mozart composed his first original piano concerto in D major in 1775. It is simple yet elegant, and its music is highly improvisational in nature, which makes it both entertaining to play and hear. Many of Mozart's piano concertos were composed for his own use and performance, and the D major concerto was no exception. His pride in this piece is palpable in his letters and writings:

"I have just finished the Concerto in D, and I am quite satisfied. It is even more satisfactory than the D minor."

Mozart’s pride in this concerto is evident in its fun and accessible nature, making it a favorite both for him and for subsequent performers and audiences. Despite this individual pride, subsequent works, such as later piano concertos like No. 9 in E-flat major or No. 19 in F major, did not achieve the same joy or satisfaction in his compositions as his first original effort.

Conclusion

Mozart's pride in his works was a testament to his immense talent and the passion with which he approached his craft. His operas, particularly Le Nozze di Figaro and Die Zauberfl?te, as well as his early piano concertos like No. 5 in D major, K. 175, were among his proudest creations. These works showcase his ability to blend humor, aesthetic beauty, and profound philosophical undertones, cementing his place as one of the most revered composers in Western music history.