How do I prepare for playing Mozart in the Italian Style

[barnowl]

In the first run of 16th notes in the first movement of K.545, , there's a footnote in .
W.A. MOZART—An Introduction to His Keyboard Works that reads:

To play sixteenth notes legato, as marked by many editors, is contradictory to the Italian style for Allegro movements. To cite only one of many sources, Giuseppe Tartini wrote of sixteenth-note passages in Allegro tempos: "Play the notes detached and separate, with a little space between each two—as if there were a rest after every note." (My bolding.)

So, should I play my scales as the footnote says I should play Mozart in order to prepare? I think I could still handle the legato of the other stuff I'm working on—a Chopin Prelude and a Beethoven Sonatina.

Any tips on playing Italian style will be welcomed.

For what it's worth, this book I referred to seems to be a wonderful introduction to Mozart. This 2006 edition even includes an audio CD with which you can hear all the pieces in the book, all of them easy (if you call his Somata in C Major easy).

The editor, Willard A. Palmer is a stickler for publishing (and playing) Mozart the way Wolfie would want his works done. I love that kind of respect.

[pianistimo]

mozart was less into italian or german schools of thought than he was 'violin' technique, imo.  he was probably wanting it to sound full of clarity.  now if you make the passages pure staccato - it wouldn't sound 'violinish.'  remember, mozart also played the violin quite well (if i remember right) and understood it's implications for melodious playing.  a 'light marcato' might be a better description than pure staccato.  little or no pedalling, and very clear sounds with light fast fingers. 

[pianistimo]

i wish i knew more about violin playing.  i would be interested to hear the passage with a violin and would take my tips from how it sounded from a good violinist's point.  can you find one to play that passage? 

[barnowl]

i wish i knew more about violin playing.  i would be interested to hear the passage with a violin and would take my tips from how it sounded from a good violinist's point.  can you find one to play that passage? 

No, I don't know any violinists. But, I have CDs of Mozart's Piano Concertos from

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=br_ss_hs/104-9959102-1011934?platform=gurupa&url=index%3Dclassical&keywords=Mozart+The+great+concertos&Go.x=0&Go.y=0&Go=Go

played by Alfred Brendel and he plays Italian style. You can hear the spaces between the notes. It is breathtaking. I want to know how to do this.

[teresa_b]

I would say less arm weight that you would use in the more Romantic composers.  Very little to no pedal in these passages, keep your hand very evenly positioned as you play the runs and work for as close to perfect ( ) evenness of tone--no clunkiness at all! 

You still have to do your dynamics so it isn't boring.  I have found that if I lean a bit in the direction I'm going, I can make a crescendo while still keeping the lightness of touch. 

Imagine how a fortepiano would sound.  Think crystal clarity.  I always find that images like this help me. 

Good luck and have fun with this gorgeous music!
Teresa

[barnowl]

I would say less arm weight that you would use in the more Romantic composers.  Very little to no pedal in these passages, keep your hand very evenly positioned as you play the runs and work for as close to perfect ( ) evenness of tone--no clunkiness at all! 

You still have to do your dynamics so it isn't boring.  I have found that if I lean a bit in the direction I'm going, I can make a crescendo while still keeping the lightness of touch. 

Imagine how a fortepiano would sound.  Think crystal clarity.  I always find that images like this help me. 

Good luck and have fun with this gorgeous music!
Teresa

Thanks, Teresa_B! I will keep your excellent thoughts in mind.