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Tag: Leopold Mozart

Toy Symphonies a German Musical Quirk

Yet another interesting cultural quirk, to rank alongside the German fairy tale opera, the toy symphony (or “kindersinfonie”) seems to have been all the rage in Germany for well over a century, at least since Leopold Mozart’s cheeky lark, long attributed to Haydn, which includes plenty of drums, toy trumpets, and bird whistles. Depending on whether or not you have little ones congregating at your house, this may or may not be the escape from Christmas you’re looking for. Click on the links at your own risk.

Leopold Mozart, Cassation in G major, “Toy Symphony” (1760s)

Bernhard Romberg, Symphonie burlesque, “Toy Symphony” (1852)

“Kinder-Symphonie,” a late addition to the genre by Carl Reinecke (1897)

December 27, 2021
Mozart Frogs & New Year Fun

May your New Year’s Day be filled with pleasant diversions.

It’s said that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart composed his “Kegelstatt” Trio in E-flat major, K. 498, while playing skittles (essentially bowling). The work, scored for clarinet, viola and piano, takes its name from a venue devoted to the pastime.

But it was Mozart’s dad, Leopold, who wrote a “Frog Divertimento.”

Nothing says Happy New Year like a good frog party.

January 1, 2021
Leopold Mozart At 300 A Father’s Legacy

Music historians are often critical of Leopold Mozart, describing him as haughty, domineering, and tyrannical. But really, when you are the father of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, what are you going to do?

Today is the 300th anniversary of the birth of Leopold Mozart. Leopold was a composer of some ability himself, so give him credit for possessing the good sense and enough humility to recognize that the talent of his children far eclipsed his own.

Of course, times being what they were, Nannerl didn’t get to enjoy the same professional advantages that Wolfgang did. But Leopold loved both children. He raised Nannerl’s son as his own, and one can only imagine his frustration over Wolfgang never being able to land a position commensurate with his genius.

Of his own works, Leopold’s “Toy Symphony” remains popular – although it was long attributed to Haydn – as does his “Musical Sleigh-Ride.” But his Trumpet Concerto must be among his very best.

Movt. I, Adagio

Movt. II, Allegro

Happy birthday, and best wishes in your fourth century, Leopold Mozart.

November 14, 2019
Christmas Music on WWFM Today

Sunday night’s “The Lost Chord” aside, this afternoon will be my last blast before Christmas. Unfortunately, there is no wintry blast forthcoming from the actual weather. Heat Miser, it seems, has triumphed.

Be that as it may, we’ll enjoy Bernard Herrmann’s “Currier and Ives Suite,” Philip Lane’s “Three Christmas Pictures,” and “A Musical Sleigh-Ride” by Leopold Mozart,” among others. If those aren’t enough of an enticement, then tune in for the original version of “Jingle Bells,” as it was published in 1857, by James Pierpont. It’s a riot!

I’ll be wishing you all a Mele Kalikimake, this afternoon from 4 to 6 p.m. EST – “Picture Perfect” follows, with music from Christmas television specials, at 6 – on WWFM – The Classical Network and wwfm.org.

December 21, 2018
Festive Post-Christmas Music: Toys, Wren Boys, Hanukkah

Judging from a compact disc on the EBS label, German toy symphonies seem to have been the rage for well over a century, at least since Leopold Mozart’s wacky exercise, long attributed to Haydn, which includes plenty of drums, toy trumpets and bird whistles. We’ll hear one of those this afternoon, which may or may not be the escape from Christmas you’re looking for, depending on whether or not you have little ones congregating at your house.

We’ll also have music for St. Stephen’s Day, including some musical commemorations of Good King Wenceslas and acknowledgements of the Irish tradition of “hunting the wren.”

Finally, we’ll get caught up with Hanukkah, as we wind down on the second day of the Festival of Lights and begin the third at sunset.

Christmas proper may be over, but I assure you, things will remain quite festive, this afternoon from 4 to 7 EST, on WWFM – The Classical Network and at wwfm.org.

PHOTO: Here come the Wren Boys!

December 26, 2016

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