How do you convert a Mozart sceptic?

[Andrew Preview]

I have a music-loving friend who struggles with Mozart. I've tried to win him over with some choice selections, in conversations reminiscent of Monty Python's what-have-the-Romans-ever-done-for-us. But, ultimately, he concludes that there are just a handful of exceptions to his general indifference. His view, and I've heard it from other people too, is that Mozart is just too darn polite and/or formulaic/obvious.

I empathise because it also took me a while to come round to him, and perhaps because I still agree that there are some significant chunks of his output to which the criticisms seem to apply pretty well. But, over time, the number of "exceptions" that I found I liked grew sufficiently to constitute a substantial body of work. If that sounds ridiculously arrogant - lucky old Mozart must be oh-so-relieved that I deign to appreciate his works - then that is completely unintended. I'm sure there are many, many cases where my failure to enjoy his compositions is purely my loss and attributable to my ignorance. He is not my favourite composer, but his best music seems to plumb the greatest depths of sadness and reach the loftiest heights of joy - and does so at least partly because of its honesty, its apparent refusal to strain for effect.

How do other boarders react to Mozart, and what are the works that you think most likely to convert a sceptic?

[Bryn]

Sorry if this sounds glib, but given that much of Mozart's output was the work of a child or callow youth, I would simply suggest avoiding anything much before 1780, say K319 onwards to start with. O.k., I know that leaves out such glories as the misnamed "Jeunehomme", but mature Mozart might just grab your friend's ear.

[french frank]

How do other boarders react to Mozart, and what are the works that you think most likely to convert a sceptic?

I love Mozart, and one work that couldn't be called formulaic or obvious is the C minor fantasia, K 475. Or the Masonic Funeral Music K 477 (also in C minor) - though they might be written off as 'exceptions' (because they aren't formulaic and obvious?). But if the Jupiter doesn't do it either ... Or the clarinet concerto. Or the Requiem. Or the oboe quartet (for something more 'pretty' and Mozartian).

[Tony Halstead]

what are the works that you think most likely to convert a sceptic?

1) Requiem
2) Mass in C minor
3) Mass in C - 'Coronation Mass'
4) Idomeneo
5) Don Giovanni
6) All piano concertos from 1784 onwards
7) Symphonies 35-41

[Roehre]

Sorry if this sounds glib, but given that much of Mozart's output was the work of a child or callow youth, I would simply suggest avoiding anything much before 1780, say K319 onwards to start with. O.k., I know that leaves out such glories as the misnamed "Jeunehomme", but mature Mozart might just grab your friend's ear.

Immediately seconded. Robins Landon laid the stick at the Sinfonia Concertante KV364 (with a couple of exceptions, like the violin concertos 3-5 and the symphonies KV201 and 183)
The concertante is one of those works which may catch someone's ear, as is the g-minor symphony KV183.
The Abduction from the Seraglio is another one.

[pastoralguy]

I have a music-loving friend who struggles with Mozart... ... likely to convert a sceptic?

How old is he? Maybe wait until he's had his heart broken for real! THEN Mozart will be his constant companion.

[cloughie]

Sorry if this sounds glib, but given that much of Mozart's output was the work of a child or callow youth, I would simply suggest avoiding anything much before 1780, say K319 onwards to start with. O.k., I know that leaves out such glories as the misnamed "Jeunehomme", but mature Mozart might just grab your friend's ear.

Very glib Bryn.

K250, K286, K299, K320, K334, K364, K365, K370, K425, K452, K453, K459, K466, K488, K491,K498, K504, K505, K543, K551, K595, K618.

If he's not wowed by any of these he's a lost cause!

[Alison]

I'd quietly share your own story of conversion and take on board Bryn's posting.

You could usefully explore his understanding of the formulaic in any number of the great works being suggested.

Don't force too much on him.

[EdgeleyRob]

If the Great C Minor Mass doesn't work he's a lost cause.

[Barbirollians]

K271

Laudate Dominum

K364 and 488

Porgi Amor sung by Gundula Janowitz with Bohm and the end of Act II of Figaro

[umslopogaas]

Play them "Die Zauberflote". I particularly love the Solti recording (Decca, 1970), but Klemperer, Bohm and Beecham would do equally well. If they dont react to the high spots - eg the two arias by the Queen of the Night - I doubt there is much chance for a reaction from anything. Though I suppose there is always Romantic stuff as an alternative wallow in the later warmer seas, you could try Verdi, or Wagner ... or R. Strauss ... or - gulp - Schoenberg's "Gurrelieder"?

[Barbirollians]

Play them "Die Zauberflote". I particularly love the Solti recording (Decca, 1970), but Klemperer, Bohm and Beecham would do equally well. If they dont react to the high spots - eg the two arias by the Queen of the Night - I doubt there is much chance for a reaction from anything. Though I suppose there is always Romantic stuff as an alternative wallow in the later warmer seas, you could try Verdi, or Wagner ... or R. Strauss ... or - gulp - Schoenberg's "Gurrelieder"?

Lucia Popp in the Klemperer as Q of the N ! magnificent.

[Dave2002]

AP maybe ask BBM! Give up!

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

What are the "handful of exceptions to his general indifference"? This will give a clue as to how to progress: if it's the slow Music, then let him hear more of these - if the quicker Music is what appeals, then more of this. I agree with the suggestions for the Music of his last decade, and would particularly loan him MP3s of the G minor and/or c minor String Quintets (don't loan CDs - if you're successful, you'll never see them again. The Clarinet Quintet and Concerto are fairly safe bets, too. If he already loves Beethoven, try him with the c minor Piano Concerto K491 (no 24) - perhaps even with this performance, with all the right notes necessarily in the right order:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqQPVDW7bkI

[Flosshilde]

I have a music-loving friend who struggles with Mozart. I've tried to win him over with some choice selections, in conversations reminiscent of Monty Python's what-have-the-Romans-ever-done-for-us. But, ultimately, he concludes that there are just a handful of exceptions to his general indifference. His view, and I've heard it from other people too, is that Mozart is just too darn polite and/or formulaic/obvious.

Why do you feel the need to win him over? has he asked you to? Perhaps he's fed up with you banging on about a composer he's just not very interested in. Are there composers he likes & you don't? Has he tried to win you over to those?