Mozart’s Violin Concerto “Turkish”
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is considered among the greatest classical composers of all time, and his influence on Western music is profound.
The music of the elite Turkish Mehter troops heavy on the percussion had become very popular during 18th century in Europe. Mozart was impressed with the band music of Turkish troops arriving in Vienna with Ottoman envoys.
Mozart was only 19 when he wrote The Violin Concerto №5 in A major, K. 219 aka “Turkish Concerto”. Music was premiered during the holiday season that year in Salzburg, Austria. The contrasting sections feature loud passages of Turkish music is a delightful standout in third movement.
This concerto was a music listening assignment from my teacher. Not only I fell in love with this music; but it also arose a curiosity on history of the mighty Ottoman Empire and its influence over Europe.
Below is the music analysis of “Turkish Concerto”
Reference video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TUIQjZT_8Y
First Movement
Movement Score 18/20 (Melody score 9; Excitement score 9)
Movement introduction is very lively with whole orchestra before entrance of solo violin. @1:23 The solo violin starts cautiously at a slower tempo and then picks up tempo to a joyful music.
Throughout the second half of this movement there seems to be duet between solo violinist and rest of orchestra.
Towards the end of this movement, @7:50 there is highly dramatic and rich solo violin. The movement ends with grand musical segment heard earlier in the movement.
Second Movement
Movement Score 15/20 (Melody score 8; Excitement score 7)
The second movement starts @9:52. Orchestra starts cautiously and builds into a joyful music. @11:01 is the beginning of rather special segment which paves path to solo violin entrance. @11:27 Solo violin begins evoking mixed emotions of affection. The buildup of solo from Peaceful to Cheerful builds slowly and the variation in dynamics repeats throughout the movement. Movement ends with a beautiful run of solo violin culminating in ending touch by rest of the orchestra.
Music is very true to visualization of a mother’s observation of her children with concerns when children are having high energy fun activity.
Third Movement
Movement Score 19/20 (Melody score 9; Excitement score 10)
The third movement starts @ 19:15. Orchestra starts with joyful tempo and is quickly joined by solo violin. The beginning part exhibits variation in dynamics between solo violin and orchestra.
The music picks up speed in the middle segment and takes a high energy melody. @21:17 There is fantastic music range bringing forth energy and enthusiasm. Starting @ 22:45 unique musical segment paves path to the marching rhythm @ 23:14.
The marching rhythm stands out as distinct segment and creates strong impression. This segment showcases the brilliance of young Mozart where he integrates solo violin with marching band rhythm and rest of orchestra. The fantastic Turkish marching band segment ends @ 24:38
Towards the end the music takes a gradual slowdown in tempo and ends gracefully.
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Music guide: Esin Yardimli Alves Pereira
