Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Don Giovanni KV 527, Auszüge aus Nr. 1 (Terzett) und aus Nr. 9 (Quartett), Partitur, Autograph Beethovens

Don Giovanni as a model

Like one of the other copies Beethoven made from Mozart's "Don Giovanni", owned by the Beethoven-Haus (NE 148), this excerpt also dates from 1803/04, probably made as a preparation for Beethoven's own operatic composition (the beginnings of Leonore/Fidelio date back to these years). Beethoven is once again interested in Mozart's way of setting dialogue to music, and in his manner of dealing with an ensemble of several people, who simultaneously "speak" (= sing) on the stage. Beethoven completely disregards the orchestral writing in the copy, as it did not interest him. He was an expert at orchestration and wanted to learn from Mozart how text was set to music and how to handle a voice in the "correct manner". (J.R.)