Mozart composed his Piano Concerto No. 20 in 1785 at the height of his popularity in Vienna. The piece was an immediate success at its February 11 premiere.
Following his usual practice, Mozart performed the solo part himself, leading the orchestra from the keyboard.
In a letter to Mozart’s sister, his father reported: “The concerto was incomparable, the orchestra excellent,” but he also noted that “the copyist was still working when we arrived, and your brother did not even have time to play the rondo [the last movement] through, as he had to look through the copying,” suggesting that Mozart had once again waited until the last minute to put music on paper.
Keep in mind that most of Mozart’s compositions are in major keys, but his move into minor tonalities form some of his most striking works. D minor in particular seemed to have had a special significance for Mozart; both his opera Don Giovanni and his Requiem are centered on this key. His Piano Concerto No. 20 is no exception. It is a totally amazing composition.
Here is pianist Maria Joao Pires to play this music for you:
