Mozart’s Concerto no. 23 starts with strings beginning the movement and introducing the theme. While the concerto is focused on the piano, these instruments play an important role later. In the second half of the double exposition, the strings introduce the third theme that has not been heard in the beginning. Thus, strings become the primary tool for introducing melodies. It is especially essential for this concert as the third theme is crucial for presenting the cadenza. Moreover, strings allow creating the cheerful and life-celebrating mood of the third part of the concerto.
The cadenza in Mozart’s concerto is relatively simple but truly beautiful and touching. It is also crucial for Mozart’s legacy as it is the only surviving solo cadenza the composer wrote into a score. The cadenza puts the piano in the center of the whole movement and shows the technical abilities of the performer. It is very ornamental and serves as a foreshadowing for the upcoming Adagio part of the concerto.
Piano Concerto no. 23 is an outstanding example of Mozart’s musical genius. He forms his work so that all the instruments are complementing each other with a piano in the center. The concert demonstrates the melodic richness, brilliant variety of themes, and a wide range of moods that music can describe. It expresses quite cheerful feelings in the beginning and then develops into more melancholy notes and deep sadness in Adagio. However, Mozart perfectly shows how any sadness is just a fleeting sensation, as it is swept away with the finale Allegro assai. All this indicates that Mozart’s music is about life, and Concerto no. 23 proves it very well.