Klarinet Archive - Posting 000173.txt from 1999/04

From: "Steven J Goldman, MD" <sjgoldman@-----.com>
Subj: RE: [kl] Harpsichord in k.622?
Date: Sat, 3 Apr 1999 23:16:10 -0500

The use of keyboard continuo for orchestral works is completely
anachronistic for Vienna of the last decade of the 18th century. However, in
other areas, particularly England, the practice did continue. Haydn, during
his visits to London was somewhat surprised when he was requested to play
continuo for the performance of his symphonies. There was certainly no
harmonic need for the keyboard part - that's in part what we wind players
were used for. So I guess the answer is that a keyboard continuo would not
have been used at the first performance of the Mozart concerto, but it is
not without historic precedent.

As to no specific keyboard part being found in autographs of the period,
this is not useful as proof that a keyboard was not used. The keyboard
player would just use a base part or score by this time (figured bass being
long gone). Again we know this from English works where we have reports of a
keyboard being used but no extant part. Bassoons also doubled the bass line
at this time, without being specifically indicated.

When a keyboard was used, it was more likely to be a pianoforte then a
harpsichord.

Lastly, remember that the first extant score of the Mozart concerto is a
highly edited one printed long after Mozart had died.

Steve
Glenview, IL

sjgoldman@-----.com

-----Original Message-----
From: Yitzchok Gurevitz [mailto:yitzg@-----.com]
Subject: [kl] Harpsichord in k.622?

I've been listening to Colin Lawson's recording of k.622 with Roy Goodman
and the Hanover Band, and I'm pretty sure that there is a harpsichord
playing little bits here and there. I have not heared this in any modern
insturment recordings, and there is no harspichord in the Dover score I
have (but it also calls for a clarinet in A, so that's not saying much).
Anybody have any info/comments on this?

-yg

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