Topmusicanswers
According to the popular story (backed by family letters), fourteen-year-old Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was visiting Rome when he first heard the piece during the Wednesday service. Later that day, he wrote it down entirely from memory, returning to the Chapel that Friday to make minor corrections.
- Did Mozart really transcribe Miserere?
- Did Mozart really transcribe Allegri's Miserere aged 14?
- What song did Mozart steal from the Vatican?
- What is the high note in Miserere mei Deus?
Did Mozart really transcribe Miserere?
What Mozart transcribed was “Miserere Mei, Deus”, a 15 minute long, 9 part choral song. Essentially, Mozart transcribed 9 different lines of melody, playing all at once for 15 minutes straight, from his own memory after hearing the song only once.
Did Mozart really transcribe Allegri's Miserere aged 14?
After arriving in Rome, Mozart attended the Holy Wednesday Tenebrae, during which he heard Miserere in full. Later that day, Mozart, who was already considered a musical prodigy at this point, transcribed the entire 15 or so minute piece from memory.
What song did Mozart steal from the Vatican?
Writing down 'Miserere' by Italian composer Gregorio Allegri, was punishable by excommunication, but 14 year old Mozart committed it to memory…
What is the high note in Miserere mei Deus?
The most captivating moments in Allegri's Miserere is when the top line in the quartet sings a high 'C'. In modern times, you'll hear this line being sung by a well-trained soprano.
