The interactive relationship between the piano and the orchestra in Mozart's concertos is an issue central to the appreciation of these great works, but one that has not yet received serious attention, a gap which this new study seeks to remedy by exploring the historical implications and hermeneutic potential of dramatic dialog. The author shows that invocations of dramatic dialog are deeply ingrained in late-eighteenth-century writings on instrumental music, and he develops this theme into an original and highly positive view of solo/orchestra relations in Mozart's concertos.He analyzes behavioral patterns in the concertos and links them to theoretical discussion of late-eighteenth-century drama and to analogous relational development in Mozart's operas Idomeneo, Die Entfuhrung aus dem Serail, Le nozze di Figaro and Don Giovanni. Mozart's piano concertos emerge afresh from this new approach as an extraordinary medium of Enlightenment, as significant in their way as the greatest late-eighteenth-century operatic and theatrical works. Simon P. Keefe is James Rossiter Hoyle Chair of Music, University of Sheffield.

Table of Contents

Heinrich Christoph Koch's Commentary on the Late-Eighteenth-Century Concerto: Towards an Understanding of Dialogue, Drama and Solo/Orchestra Relations in Mozart's Piano Concertos

Reviews

Keefe's book unites concepts from eighteenth-century music theory,drama, opera, and instrumental music in an illuminating matrix. Closelyfocused ... this masterly study will expand every reader's appreciationof Mozart's most original genre. NOTES (Andrew Willis) This closely written and thoroughly researched study adds much to our appreciation of the concept of dramatic dialogue in Mozart's mature piano concertos ... What Keefe does offer us is fascinating ... His book is of value in that the higher meaning of these subtle works is often obscure (...) he does much to make it clearer. INTERNATIONAL PIANO A lucid, enthusiastic study, carefully documented, and on the wholewearing lightly the author's hugely impressive learning - he knows theworks intimately, and is also very well informed about more generalconsiderations. PETER BRANSCOMBE The book has a great deal to offer ... an impressive accomplishment. MOZART SOCIETY OF AMERICA NEWSLETTER (David Breitman)