PlayPiano
The short answer
A familiar fantasia with an unfinished story. Fantasia in D minor is a fantasia by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart from the Classical era. PlayPiano puts it at Level 6, an estimate.
- fantasia
- Classical
- dreamy
- stormy
- broken chords
Also known as K. 397.
History
Mozart's D-minor Fantasia reached print after his death: first as a fragment in 1804, then with an added ending in 1806. His autograph is lost. Editors consider the usual 1782 date a stylistic hypothesis, rather than a documented composition date. Even the familiar ending has a question behind it: the supplement is probably another musician's work.
Sources
What to listen for
An unfolding introduction
Listen to the rising and falling broken-note figures as an unfolding introduction, not a chain of separate accents.
A slower melody takes over
The moving introduction gives way to an Adagio melody. Hear the longer melodic thread without losing the quieter supporting motion.
A quick interruption
The first Presto passage breaks into the slower material. Notice its change of pace and how it contrasts with the melody you have just heard.
The slow contour returns
A familiar slow melodic contour returns after the second quick interruption. Listen for the connection with the earlier melody rather than treating this as an unrelated start.
A brighter new section
The source changes to two sharps and 2/4 before the major-key melody enters. Compare this new character with the slower opening material.
A changed return and close
The major-key melody returns under the edition marking Andante and moves toward the final chord. Hear both the familiar contour and the changed pacing.
How to practise it
Keep the rising and falling figure connected above its held bass.
- Include the upper opening rests.
- Keep the lower foundation held.
- Notice the changed notes in the third label.
How hard is it
The intermediate proposal prioritizes coherent contrasts, controlled releases and a clear larger thread across the acquired fantasia rather than giving every gesture one fixed character.
About this piece
- Licence
- CC0
- Source
- musescore.com
More by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
- Menuetto in F for clavier, K. 1dLevel 2, estimatedWith Maestro
- Rondo alla Turca, K. 331, IIILevel 7, estimatedWith Maestro
- Piano Sonata in C Minor - KV. 457 (3rd Movement)Level 8, estimatedWith Maestro
