How to play Mozart exquisitely....

[bernadette60614]

I have big hands and my playing has been described as warm and strong. 

I find Mozart very difficult to play exquisitely. To achieve the refined sound I want on Sonata No. 11.

Any tips would be appreciated.

[bwl_13]

Isn't this one of the greatest challenges among pianists? I don't care for Mozart but I always hear he is extremely challenging to play.

I don't know too much, but it's important to consider a operatic style as well as closely following the articulations he wrote. Phrasing is also quite important and playing with very clean releases too.

That's all I can think of, your question is quite broad.

[lelle]

Sadly, I think the broad answer to this question is "a highly refined technique".  His music may look relatively simple or easy on the surface compared to big virtuoso romantic pieces, but you still need to be very relaxed and well coordinated to have maximum fine control to play Mozart at the highest level. Plus understanding of the style, of musicianship in general, and theory/harmony of course.

[adariation]

My way of approaching mozart haydn and classical in general is by starting all staccato, and highlighting the difference between tune and accompaniment. After doing that for some time, I start to add necessary slurs, and pedals but still keeping the melody periodic and simple. (This would be needed in sonata 11).  And finally, i try to follow the score carefully but sometimes do what i like, after all it is my interpretation but generally dont let things get too mushy and heavy.

[bernadette60614]

Thank you so much for this approach.  I tend to play "heavy" in general which is great for some of the Russians, so this staccato approach is absolutely brilliant!

[adariation]

That was the issue for me as well, so I kind of developed this way on learning. This also helps me find the gaps in my technique and playing without pedal.
Hope it helps

[teresa_b]

Is there any way you can get access to a fortepiano to try out Mozart on it? You will instantly get an idea of how Mozart's piano music sounded at the time, completely different from what you get from our modern concert grands.  (At least listen to recordings on fortepiano. Robert Levin is an excellent Mozart player/source of knowledge.) Then see if you can produce a sound more like that on a modern piano (difficult!).

I have played a lot of Mozart. I've found these things helpful:  Practice with little to no pedal, then add it sparingly (never to 16th note runs- sparingly to arpeggios and trills). Practice with light staccato. Then make it more legato, but think "air" between the fast notes. Lighten up on left hand Alberti base, etc. It will always need to be softer than you think, lol! Remember where your phrases are going, and try not to let passages get mechanical. Remember Mozart was an opera composer, and often you can imagine a scene in your piano piece, and put that emotion in! Many of his slow movements are arias, or prayer-like. In the wonderful fast rondos, I sometimes imagine a dance (example, K332).

Mozart is very difficult because of its crystalline nature and errors stick out horribly    I often think that one of the differences between his music and early Beethoven is that even in a somewhat raucous passage, Mozart retains a certain grace. he is never bumptious. You have to impart that grace without making it sound overly precious or powdered wiggy. Worth the effort!