MOZART, Wolfgang Amadeus
Sonata for Violin and Keyboard in B-flat Major K 378
I. Allegro moderato
Linus Roth, guest professor
Alexis Hatch Martínez, violin
Natalie Schwamova, piano
After playing the first movement of Mozart’s Sonata K 378, they discuss some stylistic details, and Roth recommends reading Leopold Mozart’s treatise because it provides the keys to the Classical style. They discuss the use of vibrato as an expressive resource or depending on the acoustic conditions. They focus mainly on the articulation of two notes, very typical of the classical style, with the 1st being more supported and the 2nd softer. Roth comments on the importance of pauses, which should not be rushed. The student’s interpretation is more romantic than classical.
The beginning must be played with simplicity, breathing and in balance with the piano. All articulations have to be played within the context of the phrase. They also talk about the phrasing line and its relationship with the bow. The position changes have to be made in a relaxed way, without being noticed. We have to be aware of the places where vibrato is played and with what intensity. Playing intensely does not mean playing with an accent.
Mozart’s instrumental work is also very operatic, with that theatrical effect of surprise. In the development, it is necessary to create contrast, fantasy, with a flexible sound and without adding accents. In certain passages, they work on how to approach the string, more towards the heel. The chords at the end of the movement have to be more flexible, which is closely related to the speed of the bow and its direction towards the heel.
Language: English
