Today's Mozart Masterclass features a piano concerto. I just couldn't go any longer without noting one of my favorites. Also it is in this week's 100 Concerto Countdown update but that hasn't been posted yet. Possibly tomorrow.

The work is Mozart's Piano Concerto No.9 “Jeunehomme” in E-flat Major, K.271. Mozart composed this concerto in 1777 whilst his stay in Salzburg. Though he was only 21 when the composition was completed, Mozart displayed great maturity and originality in the concerto, regarded by many as Mozart's first great masterpiece.

As we all know, many more followed.

The videos are of an incredible performance from Mitsuko Uchida and Jeffery Tate conducting the Mozarteum Orchestra in Salzburg, 1989.

1. Allegro


2. Andantino

Part One


Part Two

3. Rondo (Presto)


There is some speculation as to the origin of the "Jeunhomme" nickname the piece bears. It is often found that the composers themselves rarely name their pieces. To use as an example, it is probable that Mozart would have no clue what the "Jupiter" Symphony (No.41 in C Major, K.551) is.

Nicknames breed familiarity and popularity but it is seldom the wish of the composers, more often the publishers hoping to jolt sales with such a tactic.

The concerto, for the longest time was believed to have been composed for a Mlle. Jeunhomme, of whom very little is known including her first name. The little that is known about her has her as a French keyboard virtuoso who traveled to Salzburg in the Winter of 1777 and Mozart fell "in love" with.

There were always "loopholes" with this tag as scholars could not identify the woman for whom he actually wrote it for. In a recent journal, musicologist Michael Lorenz found reason to argue that the woman was actually Victoire Jenamy (1749-1812), a daughter of Jean-Gorges Noverre, a famous dancer who was one of Mozart's best friends.

For this some believe the concerto should be now known as the "Jenamy" Concerto rather than the "Jeunhomme." But for some that would be like trying to find a new nickname for Beethoven's "Emperor" Concerto or "Moonlight" sonata.

The result wouldn't be very promising. As always though, the music will never change and forever will be loved.