Composer

:

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Nocturne

Compose Date

:

1783

Average_duration

:

2:02

"Ecco quel fiero istante La Partenza" is a vocal quartet composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in 1783. The piece was written for four voices, two sopranos, tenor, and bass, and is part of a set of three quartets, K. 436-438, which are known as the "Viennese Quartets." The quartet is in the key of E-flat major and has a duration of approximately six minutes. The piece is divided into three movements. The first movement is an allegro in E-flat major, which begins with a lively and energetic introduction. The vocal parts are characterized by their intricate interplay, with each voice taking turns to sing the melody. The second movement is a slow and expressive adagio in C minor. The vocal parts are more subdued in this movement, with the tenor and bass providing a rich harmonic foundation for the two sopranos. The final movement is a lively and playful allegretto in E-flat major. The vocal parts are once again characterized by their intricate interplay, with each voice taking turns to sing the melody. The text of the quartet is taken from the libretto of the opera "Il Sogno di Scipione" by Pietro Metastasio. The text tells the story of a departing lover bidding farewell to his beloved. The music reflects the emotions of the text, with the lively and energetic first movement representing the excitement of departure, the slow and expressive second movement representing the sadness of parting, and the playful final movement representing the hope of reunion. Overall, "Ecco quel fiero istante La Partenza" is a beautiful and expressive vocal quartet that showcases Mozart's mastery of vocal writing. The intricate interplay between the four voices, the rich harmonies, and the emotional depth of the music make it a true masterpiece of classical music.

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