Overview
II. ’Hearing the Enlightenment’
'The objective of “enlightened” artists became, in Wye J. Allanbrook (a 20th century musicologist) 'to move an audience through representations of its own humanity.' And not only move, but also to 'instruct and inspire goodness: free intellect and introspective sympathy went hand in hand—or in a mutually regulating tandem—as ministers to virtue.'
In this week's Journal entry, I'd like you to listen to a piece by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Clarinet Concerto in A major K622, and reflect on it by thinking about the following questions: What do you find moving about it? Are you moved intellectually, emotionally? Do you hear the expression Enlightenment values, such as equality and freedom as self-determination? If so, wherein do these values take shape musically, so to speak?
The piece can be heard at the link above starting at 12:50: