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Two Mozart Piano Concertos [by Lewis Saul]

1. Mozart Piano Concerto #3 in D Major, K. 40 (1767)
Murray Perahia, piano/cond.
English Chamber Orchestra
 
At the age of 11, Mozart learned to write piano concerti by taking examples of earlier music — harpsichord sonatas in this case — and with his father's help, he rewrote them as piano concerti. Today, we might call this plagiarism, but in those days this was a common method of teaching, with no stigma attached to the borrowing of previously composed material. Besides, Mozart made something very new — even at this very young age — by inventing little orchestral flourishes and by composing completely original new ideas. My post. 
 
1. Mozart Piano Concerto #20 in D Minor, K. 466 (1785)
Mitsuko Uchida, piano/cond.
Camerata Salzburg

Now 29, and five years away from death, this was the first piano concerto which he composed in a minor key. Music written in D Minor is usually considered serious and contemplative.

First movement

Mozart dives in with a theme that is hardly melodic. Just try to hum it — the syncopation in the violins makes it a very unusual theme:

 
 

 

The second theme in the relative F Major is slightly more melodic and upbeat:

 
Now, see how Mozart brings the emotion to the final part of the orchestral introduction … the piano enters and after a few tonic/dominant chords, he returns to that mysterious opening theme …
 

 
Mozart gives the soloist a workout before returning to the opening theme:

 
Second movement

In an ABACA form, Mozart moves to the submediant key of B-Flat Major, Mozart relaxes into a simple, but deeply-felt, melody — begun with solo piano, and then joined by the orchestra:

 
A storm arrives (G minor/C section):

 

 
The movement ends with typical Mozartian grace:

 
Third movement

Known as a Mannheim rocket, the opening motif bursts from the soloist, then is reiterated by the orchestra, which further develops the idea.

Here's the whole performance.