Piece Comment

Review of K is for Koechel: The Story Behind Those Mozart Numbers


Looking for a way to answer one of the most asked question in classical music, while listening to some of the best music ever written?

"K is for Koechel: The Story Behind Those Mozart Numbers" goes beyond the numbers and provides a ton of provocative background information and insight into Mozart and his compositional process. Myths and Mozart myth-makers are busted, and the often used descriptor "genius" is properly defined and put into perspective. (He's still a genius, by the way.)

Beyond the insight, history and well researched speculation, the program insightfully recognizes what "makes it all matter: Mozart's music." And your host/producer Sarah Zaslaw, joined by her father (and Mozart scholar) Neal Zaslaw, wisely and cleverly keeps everything from crossing over into the dark side of the classical music education vortex. Zaslaw's bit at the beginning on how to pronounce and spell Koechel is one of several high points.

For classical music-formatted stations and all stations whose listeners value great music and a little "lifelong learning." Meaning...it can play well on non-classical stations with planning and proper promotion. Good for the evening and all weekend long -- try it before the MET or before/after WATC.