Robert Levin seminar “On performing Mozart’s piano concertos“

Recording of Robert Levin’s seminar “On performing Mozart’s piano concertos“ - part of “Kirill Gerstein invites“ hosted by Kronberg Academy. . In this seminar, Robert Levin shared his thoughts on Mozart’s keyboard instruments and those of today. He illustrated the structural means Mozart employs to create a sense of narrative within each of the three movements of all of the concertos. Robert, combining a virtuosic ability to improvise with encyclopaedic knowledge of music literature, examined the ways in which Mozart as soloist introduced elements of spontaneity in his performances, including decoration of recurring themes, the improvisation of lead-ins and cadenzas, and continuo playing. Cadenzas were also discussed from a structural standpoint and from practical approaches to on-the-spot invention. Finally, a discussion of aesthetics ensued prompted by the question of whether Mozart’s conventions regarding keyboard range, style, and tonal considerations should be