Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (27 January 1756 – 5 December 1791) was one of the most influential, popular and prolific composers of the classical period. A child prodigy, from an early age he began composing over 600 works, including some of the most famous pieces of symphonic, chamber, operatic, and choral music.
“Music is my life and my life is music. Anyone who does not understand this is not worthy of God.”
– Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
8 Variations on "Dieu d'amour", K.352/374c (Vienna, 1781)
Based on a chorus from the opera Les mariages samnites by Grétry
Ingrid Haebler, piano
Description by Robert Cummings [-]
This set of variations draws its source theme from the chorus "Dieu d'amour" from Grétry's opera Les mariages samnites (1776). It is sung in Act I by a group of young girls, but Mozart's handling of the melody generally gives it a more mellow, less upper-range, less delicate character. He wrote this set of variations in June 1781, having familiarized himself with the opera on a trip to Paris in 1778. The theme is elegant and somewhat noble, but quickly exhibits a playful, humorous side, too. The first variation is not far removed from the source theme, but is deftly imagined still in its bright colors and sprightly character. The ensuing variant is graceful, but divulges a somewhat earthy, carefree spirit, as well. The octave-laden third variation is charming in its energetic flow, while the fourth mixes ethereality and playfulness with its nearly constant trill and sense of innocence. The ensuing variant is serious and dark in its relaxed pacing, while the next is vibrant and bright, offering some challenge to the pianist with its hand-crossing passages. The Adagio seventh variation is elegant and serene in its wandering, halting manner, while the closing variant, marked Allegro, crowns this nearly quarter-hour work with festive but relatively subdued music and an abrupt ending.
