An instrumental arrangement for intermediate level piano of Mozart’s Laudate Dominum dating from 1780. The arranger’s intention has been to prepare a performance piece containing the melody, the arpeggiated chordal accompaniment and bass line. This is classical music in its truest sense. The realisation plays back at 36 dotted quarter notes or crotchet beats to the minute . The text derived from the psalms suggests a prayer context which makes this an appropriate performance piece for reflection. Laudate Dominum is a movement from the Veperae solemnise de Confessore K.339 As there is a reduction in the musical texture some of the musical content has been omitted. The intention of the music editor has been to prepare an arrangement which contains the melody, the arpeggiated chordal accompaniment and bass line. There is the option of exploring the texture more fully with the addition of octaves in the section from bar The realisation plays back at 36 dotted quarter note or crotchet beats to the minute. A playing approach where two beats in the bar is communicated rather than two groups of three is suggested. Vocal performances do tend to be performed at a slower tempo than those that are instrumental. In the piano version the original contexts are indicated in the score which should be a helpful assist in interpreting and understanding the music. Vocal models have been used for an interpretation of the ornaments in the realisation. The trills can of course be interpreted differently although consistency does need to prevail in a performance. The ornaments have been written out in full in the video sheet music score which can be referenced on our YouTube channel if there is a need for clarification. The piano and organ versions of the arrangement have slightly different bass lines each reflecting the practicality of the instrument. The rhythms of the melody are determined very much by the patterns of the latin text and it would sensible for instrumentalists to be familiar with a recording or two of the original version of the work. This is an excellent piece to study to see how the composer resolves dissonance and makes use the circle of fifths in his harmonic choices. Mozart’s approach to composition is always very disciplined and studied but at the same time musical ideas are always expressed originally and imaginatively. Appoggiaturas (leaning notes) are also a strong feature.
