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Donald Macleod surveys Mozart's early encounters with the Austrian Archduke, Joseph II.

All this week, Donald Macleod explores the relationship between the composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and the Austrian Emperor Joseph II. Mozart was honoured to obtain a job at the court of Joseph II. His salary however was still not enough to cover Mozart's outgoings. The Emperor's reputation for tightness with money, his interest in cultural reform, and even his re-organisation of the way people were buried, would all greatly impact upon Mozart's life and his music.

In 1762 when Mozart was only six years old, he performed for the Austrian Empress Maria Theresa. Her son Archduke Joseph was also present. Mozart's next imperial visit was in 1767, but his reception then was less promising. Joseph however suggested that Mozart might like to compose and conduct an opera. Mozart worked hard to court the favour of the future Emperor, but he also realised that Joseph's tastes in music were severely lacking.

Minuet in G K1
Dejan Lazic, piano

Symphony No7 in D K45
English Chamber Orchestra
Jeffrey Tate, conductor

Missa Solemnis in C minor K139 (Credo)
Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra
RIAS Kammerkor
Marcus Creed, conductor

Sonata for two pianos in D K448
Martha Argerich, piano
Daniel Barenboim, piano

Producer Michael Surcombe.