The work by the famous composer had been in the collections of Leipzig city libraries for over 100 years. It was discovered during work on a new edition of the Köchel catalogue, compiled by the international Mozarteum Foundation in Salzburg and a reference book on the musical legacy of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
The twelve-minute Serenate ex C was probably written in the mid to late 1760s.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) was then between the ages of 10 and 13, noted Ulrich Leisinger, head of research at the Mozarteum Foundation.
At 17, he probably wouldn’t have composed such music, the expert added.
Similarities to other works by Mozart from that time and external signs such as the composer’s name on the notes indicate that the serenade is by Mozart, Leisinger noted.
Although it is impossible to prove it 100%, every effort was made to rule out the possibility that the work was by another composer, he said.
We are confident that we can present a completely unknown, magical work by the young Mozart, the expert said.
However, research within the Köchel catalogue has also led to other discoveries about the musical genius. The catalogue includes works that Mozart wrote on commission to improve the operas of other composers. In addition to this work as an unofficial author, he also worked as a teacher. The new edition of the catalogue systematically presents his teaching materials for the first time.
The discovered composition was presented on Thursday at the International Mozarteum Foundation in Salzburg, Austria. On Saturday (September 21), the work was performed for the first time in Germany, at the Leipzig Opera.
Source: Racurs
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