Sor Introduction and Variations on a Theme from Mozart's 'The Magic Flute'

Classical Music / Classic Guitar 


Introduction and Variations on a Theme by Mozart, Op. 9, is one of Fernando Sor's most famous works for guitar. It was first published in London in 1821 and dedicated to Sor's brother Carlos.

Note on Editions.  The title page of the first edition reads “As performed by the author, at the Nobilities’ Concerts.” The French edition was published by Meissonnier, dated roughly in the same period, and had one less variation, no coda, and some differing notes. However, in 1826 or 27, Meissonnier brought out another version, this one identical to the London first edition.

The Introduction and Variations on a Theme from Mozart's The Magic Flute, Op 9, embodies the best characteristics of Fernando Sor as a composer, requiring great technique. It is a frequently performed classic guitar piece that serves as a “testing ground for every aspiring guitarist.” The work is based by Sor on a melody from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's famous opera The Magic Flute (Die Zauberflöte) to a German libretto by Emanuel Schikaneder. The opera was first performed in Vienna in 1791, and in German, while the first performances in Italian took place in 1794, three years after Mozart had died. It is more likely that he was inspired to write the piece when the first major production was premiered in England in May 1819, when Sor was in the area.

Video below, guitarist Ana Vidovic plays Sor's Variations on a Theme from Mozart's The Magic Flute. YouTube, uploaded by SiccasGuitars. Accessed July 19, 2023. 

The theme and the variations are based on this one that was used in numerous composer's arrangements, some being by the flutist Drouet, by Herz, and by Mikhail Glinka. It is the theme played near the end of Act I called “Das klinget so herrlich”, in Italian either translating to "O dolce armonia" as Sor chose to use. This last translation was also used in the vocal score of The Magic Flute published in Birchall, London in around 1813.

Sor's theme differs somewhat from Mozart's original, as may be seen in the comparison. The time and key signatures of the originals have been changed. None of the bars/measures are exactly the same but most only differ slightly.


Image Credit:

The original cover of Sor's Variations on a Theme of Mozart, Op. 9, published in Paris in 1821. en.wikipedia.org. Public Domain.  


Resource:

Introduction and Variations on a Theme by Mozart (Sor). en.wikipedia.org. Accessed February 14, 2020.



(c) February 2020. Updated July 19, 2023. Tel. Inspired Pen Web. all rights reserved.