“Conservati fedele”

Mozart composed a large number of arias, scenes, and ensembles that were precisely tailored to the voices of the intended singers. Many of these were written as replacement pieces for his own or others’ operas. Occasionally, pieces that Mozart had drafted or even completed were replaced before an opera's premiere because they did not appeal to the performers. Arias or scenes (with introductory accompagnato recitative) were often performed in concerts and academies. In Mozart’s youth, arias also served to showcase his talent and quick grasp of musical expression: during his grand tour of Western Europe alone, he composed 15 arias; during his stay in Vienna in 1767/68, at least five; and during his first trip to Italy, at least six. While in Salzburg, Mozart composed only a small number of arias, likely for members of touring companies staying in the city or for visiting virtuosos. During his journey to Mannheim and Paris, and later in Vienna, he composed several arias as favors for specific singers.