Classical Wednesday: Mozart – Exsultate, Jubilate K165 (1773)

Mozart’s Exsultate, jubilate, K. 165, is a festive, virtuosic three-movement sacred solo motet composed in 1773 for soprano (originally castrato) and orchestra. Written in Milan when Mozart was 16, it is a joyous, concerto-like piece renowned for its rapid vocal runs and the famous, exuberant closing “Alleluia”.

Key Aspects of Exsultate, Jubilate:

• Background: Composed in January 1773 for Venanzio Rauzzini, a famous castrato who sang in the premiere of Mozart’s opera Lucio Silla.
• Structure: It consists of three parts:
  1. Exsultate, jubilate (Allegro): A joyous, energetic opening in F major.
  2. Tu virginum corona (Andante): A lyrical, slower, and contemplative middle section.
  3. Alleluia (Molto Allegro): The celebrated final, fast-paced section known for its technical brilliance and high spirits.
• Style: While a sacred motet, it shares the virtuosic, operatic style of a concert aria.
• Performance: Although originally written for a male castrato, it is now a staple for female sopranos. 

It was composed during a productive period during Mozart’s final Italian tour.