K. 32, Gallimathias Musicum (Quolibet)

K. 32, Gallimathias Musicum (Quolibet)

I think, not sure yet, but this is the last work I will dabble in from Mozart’s time at The Hague. For those who have been wondering, I have been away for so long because a chute load of changes have flocked my way.  We moved (I’ve mentioned that before). And, we’ve had our third son.  Without Internet, try working two jobs, wrangling three kids under 5 and finding time to work on a blog.  Anyway, I don’t have to make excuses.  I’m doing this mostly for me. 

So on to the Gallimathias Musicum.

This is a Quolibet, which I have just learned is a gob of melodies thrown into one work.  I guess, it is the classical equivalent of making an album.  Mozart wrote this work while at The Hague for the installation of Prince Wilhelm, ending it patriotically.  It is a collection of 17 Melodies.  I thought the best way to tackle this work is with a short comment on each melody.  So here you go (hopefully, I get it right where each new melody begins):

1. Reminds me of the opening of Mozart’s Symphony # 29.

2.  Spooky tones, with sighs, disappointed when they realize there is nothing to fear.

3. Triumphant, victory has come.

4. Epic, very powerful.  Has an Irish or Scottish feel.  Like something you’d hear from Braveheart.

5.  A royal piece.

6. A waltzy kind of piece.

7. More royal declarations.

8. A short sigh break in the middle of the quolibet.

9. Horns and Oboes find each other and dance.  Violins say, ‘Get it on.’

10. Spooky melancholy, like the end is near and a person is ready to give up.

11. Racing frolics, like that last gallop home after a long days ride.

12. Apprehensive curiosity.  A kitten peeking out from the hayloft for the first time.

13. Sounds like one of his earlier harpsichord sonatas.  Skipping on a cloudy day.

14.  I know this one.  It is definitely a repeat. I like it and will find out what it reminds me of.  But the mood says, ‘things are tough but they will get better.’

15. This one seems to suggest things will not get better.

16. Life is happy again.

17. The patriotic ending.  A tribute to his Dutch hosts.

K. 25, 7 Variations on "Willhelmus van Nassauwe"

K. 25, 7 Variations on "Willhelmus van Nassauwe"

While in The Netherlands, Mozart worked again on a popular national tune, dedicated to a political hero.  So popular, this work is now the Dutch national anthem. The oldest national anthem.

When people fiddle around with our national anthem, Americans can stir a frenzy. (Myself, I find some renditions horrid.) How did the Dutch deal with each variation?  I'm not Dutch, but here’s what I thought of each:

1. Straightforward mostly melody. Faster than the way they sing the anthem today. This version has a lighter, hopeful aura.  

2.  The melody nearly gets lost in the harmony, but in a playful manner, as if it wants to be lost. 

3.  A prancing ‘chopsticks’ version of the tune. There is an air of eagerness like a child rushing to a pile of presents.

4.  A galloping frolic, like a girl skipping through a meadow.

5.  This jazzy number conjures a woman gazing onto her crush and sighing.

6.  Quickened heartbeat, as if the object of her affection has spotted her and is walking over.

7.  The slowest.  A reverent sound, the most similar to the national anthem.