Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

1756 - 1791

Mozart was one of the first major composers to write for fortepiano, rather than harpsichord. Unlike the works of Beethoven, Clementi, Liszt and Chopin, Mozart's pieces could not be said to have pushed and established new frontiers in piano music. However, as a performer, and dabbler in exotic modifications, Mozart's influence on the piano was paramount.

For example, during the 1785, February performance of Mozartís C major K467 piano concerto, Mozart modified the piano heavily. Instead of playing the regular concert piano, he brought with him large keyed piano without legs that slid under the regular piano to provide deep baseline improvisation, as on the pedal-board of an organ. Though the concert was a huge financial success, this design, obviously, did not survive, but Mozart's use of exotic instruments invites the modern pianist to explore boundaries.