Product Description
Historical Significance of Mozart's K. 233 (also K. 382d) Canon
Mozart's canon K. 233 "Leck mir den Arsch fein recht schön sauber" ("Lick my arse right well and clean") or, alternatively, Nichts labt mich mehr als Wein (Nothing refreshes me more than wine) is historically significant for several reasons:
1. Reflection of Social and Musical Culture
In Mozart's Vienna, singing canons (or rounds) was a popular social pastime, especially among friends and colleagues. These pieces were not intended for the concert hall but for informal gatherings, reflecting the convivial and playful side of 18th-century musical life.
The canons, including K. 233, are emblematic of the "bright social life" Mozart enjoyed in Vienna, where such witty and sometimes bawdy compositions were part of musical camaraderie.
2. Scatological Humor and Mozart's Personality
K. 233 is notable for its scatological humor, a recurring theme in Mozart's personal letters and some of his recreational compositions. This canon, with its crude lyrics, exemplifies the composer's penchant for irreverent and earthy wit, challenging the later, sanitized image of Mozart as a purely refined artist.
The use of such humor in music was unusual for the period, making these canons a unique insight into both Mozart's personality and the less formal aspects of Classical-era culture.
3. Authorship and Reception
While traditionally attributed to Mozart, later research suggests K. 233 may have been composed by Wenzel Trnka, with Mozart possibly adapting or contributing to the lyrics. Regardless, its inclusion with Mozart's other canons has kept it in the spotlight and contributed to ongoing debates about authorship and authenticity in classical music scholarship.
The canon's bawdy lyrics led to censorship and bowdlerization after Mozart's death. Publishers replaced the original text with more "decent" lyrics, reflecting changing social mores and the tension between public reputation and private amusement.
4. Musical Technique and Pedagogy
Canons like K. 233 also served as exercises in counterpoint and composition, demonstrating Mozart's skill in this demanding musical form5. They were used both for entertainment and as pedagogical tools, illustrating the dual role of canons in 18th-century music education and social life.
5. Legacy and Modern Interest
K. 233, along with other canons of similar character, has become a subject of fascination for both musicologists and the public, offering a glimpse into the informal, humorous, and occasionally subversive aspects of Mozart's output.
The rediscovery of the canon and its continued performance underscore its enduring appeal and the complexities of Mozart's legacy.
In summary, K. 233 is historically significant for its vivid illustration of Mozart's social environment, his use of humor, its role in debates about authorship, and as a testament to the enduring intersection of musical craft and personal expression in the Classical era
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