Classical Music Playlist, June 18, 2026
Mozart moved to Vienna in 1781. His father, Leopold, arrived for a ten-week visit on 11 February 1785. On 12 February, Leopold attended the first performance of new string quartets that Wolfgang dedicated to Haydn who was at that performance and told Leopold, “Before God and as an honest man I tell you that your son is the greatest composer known to me either in person or by name; he has taste, and, furthermore, the most profound knowledge of composition.” On top of that compliment, the next day, 13 February 1785, Mozart premiered his new Piano Concerto No. 18 and Leopold witnessed yet another flattering reaction, as he wrote to his daughter: “When your brother left the stage, the emperor tipped his hat and called out ‘Bravo Mozart!’”
Mozart was clearly at the height of his popularity and creativity. From that period of great success, Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 18 is today’s Midday Masterpiece.
