Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Exsultate, Jubilate, K. 165/158a

In 1773, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) was in Milan during the production of his opera LUCIO SILLA. A castrato named Venanzio Rauzzini, who had played the part of the primo uomo Cecilio in LUCIO SILLA previously, impressed Mozart with his technical excellence, resulting in the young composer writing this religious solo motet, EXULTATE, JUBILATE, K. 165 for the singer. The premiere occurred on January 17, 1773, at the Theatine Church, Rauzzini singing the solo while still singing for Mozart's opera in the evening. Today, the work is customarily sung by a female soprano. Instrumentation: 0.2.0.0: 2.0.0.0: Org: Str (4-4-3-3-3 in set): Solo Sop.