Giovanni Gabrieli and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Research Paper Example

Giovanni Gabrieli and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Giovanni Gabrieli and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Introduction Both the Renaissance and Classical eras were characterized by famous and influential composers. Renaissance is a French term which simply means ‘rebirth’, and it generally refers to a sense of renewed interest/study among thinkers and artists of the 15th-16th centuries in the culture and philosophy of ancient Greece and Rome. However, in a broader perspective, the period tends to depict the rebirth/ Renaissance of creativity. Subsequently, this led to an unprecedented growth of science, letters, arts and discovery. Just like their popular contemporaries in the literally and visual arts, composers during this era also achieved great artistic success. The earliest signs of Renaissance music appeared in the early 15th century. On the other hand, both the Classical and Renaissance periods were characterized by a lot of composers. In light of this, the paper will focus on analyzing the upbringing, education, legacy and musical compositions of Giovanni Gabrieli (Renaissance era composer) and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Classical era composer). Giovanni Gabrieli Giovanni Gabrieli was an influential Italian organist, composer and teacher during the Renaissance period. He is primarily acknowledged for his holy/sacred music which includes instrumental motets and a massive choral work for the liturgy of the church (Kenton, 1967). Venice is Gabrieli’s birth place. His father hailed from Carnia and moved to Venice before the birth of Giovanni. Giovanni studied under his uncle (Andrea Gabrieli) who was himself a composer. In fact, it is believed that his uncle brought him up since Giovanni commonly referred himself as his uncle’s son. Next, he studied with Orlando de Lassus in Munich at Duke Albert v’s court. Consequently, Lassus had a great impact on Gabrieli’s music. In 1585, Gabrieli became Saint Mark’s Basilica’s main organist after the post was left vacant by the exit of Claudio Merulo. Also, he became the principal composer after the demise of his uncle. Subsequently, Giovanni commenced editing and compiling his uncle’s work who had no inclination or urge to publish his work. Thus, he saved his uncle’s work which otherwise would have been lost (Charteris, 1987). Additionally, Giovanni became an organist at Scuola Grande di San Rocco; a post he held for his whole life. This post contributed positively to his musical career since San Rocco was among the most wealthy and prestigious Venetian confraternities. The San Rocco organization was utilized by renowned composers who often performed there. A vivid description of the goings or popular events that took place at San Rocco can be found in Thomas Coryat’s travel memoirs. Composers from all over especially Germany travelled to Venice to study Gabrieli’s popular volume Sacrae Symphoniae of 1597. Moreover, he took significant steps to encourage and motivate scholars to learn the madrigals. This act helped new students to develop more additional madrigal styles in addition to spreading the Venetian polychoral styles to other nations. In his life, Giovanni composed many forms of music such as secular and sacred music (Arnold, 1979). Nevertheless, he preferred instrumental and sacred vocal style of music. Just like other music composers of his time, he used the layout of San Marco church where two choir lofts faced each other so as to enhance spatial effects of his works. Giovanni’s first motets were originally published alongside his uncle’s compositions in 1587. A closer look at these works reveals the influence his uncle’s works had on him. However, Giovanni developed his own distinct style which was evident in Monteverdi’s Qinto Libro Di Madrigal publication. Some of Gabrieli’s famous works include; Sacrae Symphonae (1597), Canzoni per Sonare (1608), Canzone e Sonate (1615), and Sacrae Symphoniae II (1615). His style was characterized by duets and solos which were supported by instrumental/ organ ensemble, and a solo voice quartet joining /responding to the chorus. As a result of Giovani developing kidney stone complications around 1606, the church management relieved him of his duties and responsibilities. Sadly, the disease led to his demise in 1612. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Wolfgang’s father came from a wealthy family comprised of book binders and architects. As such, his father (Leopold) authored famous books such as a popular violin playing manual. Wolfgang was born in 1756 in Salzburg and died in 1791. He was an influential Austrian composer during the Classical era. Wolfgang together with Beethoven and Haydn brought to the fore the Viennese Classical school achievements. Mozart wrote his works in all the musical genres of his period and subsequently exceled in each and one of them, unlike other composers (Rosen, 1997). Wolfgang’s form command, range/ level of expression and taste make him be viewed as a universal composer. Nonetheless, other scholars argue that he wrote his music for particular audiences. Wolfgang started his musical career at an early age. For instance, he was able to pick out chords on a harpsichord at the tender age of three, playing pieces at four and composing at the age of five years. His father took him to play at Munich’s Bavarian court at the age of six years (Solomon, 2009). After a few months, they travelled to Vienna where he played at noble houses and the imperial court with Nannerl (his sister). Thus, Wolfgang’s father discovered his (Wolfgang’s) talents from an early age and consequently referred to his son’s mastery and skill as a miracle. Since he commenced his music career from an early age, Wolfgang had over 600 compositions most of which were accepted as symphonic, chamber, and choral music pinnacles. Wolfgang’s family travelled widely across Europe while he and his sister Nannerl performed in various locations or destinations. Wolfgang’s music and works are a form of Classical style compositions (Brophy, 1964). Wolfgang in his compositions single handedly popularized and developed the piano concerto. Additionally, he penned many sacred or church themed compositions which included large masses, serenades, divertimenti and other types of entertainment. While in Vienna, Mozart became very successful as a pianist composer. This is his most successful and most fruitful part of his life and career. For example, he performed at more than 22 concerts in just five weeks. He commenced playing the piano at concerts concentrating on improvisations and existing pieces. His many variations and improvisations always conjured memories of some music the audience had heard. Furthermore, he was fond of performing his symphonies. However, his piano concertos were the main products during his performance as indicated earlier in the text. Wolfgang influenced a lot of people with his music style. Johan Hummel is probably Wolfgang’s best or famous student. The Mozart family took Hummel into their home in Vienna for a period of two years when he was a child (Mozart, 1951). Also, Wolfgang greatly influenced composers of other later generations. For example, Wolfgang influenced Ludwig van Beethoven’s work greatly. Therefore, Ludwig’s compositions have a visible similarity to Wolfgang’s work. Wolfgang became ill in Prague but continued his duties and functions. However, his condition worsened, and he subsequently died in 1791 at a young age of 35 years. References Arnold, D. (1979). Giovanni Gabrieli and the music of the Venetian High Renaissance. Oxford University Press, USA. Brophy, B. (1964). Mozart the dramatist. Faber & Faber. Charteris, R. (1987). Newly Discovered Works by Giovanni Gabrieli. Music and Letters, 68(4), 343-363. Kenton, E. (1967). Life and works of Giovanni Gabrieli (No. 16). American institute of musicology. Mozart, L. (1951). A treatise on the fundamental principles of violin playing (Vol. 6). Oxford University Press. Rosen, C. (1997). The Classical Style: Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven (Vol. 1). WW Norton & Company. Solomon, M. (2009). Mozart: Life, A. Harper Collins. Read More