The Köchel Catalogue: Evolving Since 1862

A new edition of the Köchel Catalogue, which the International Mozarteum Foundation has been researching for decades, was unveiled for the first time in 60 years. The Köchel Catalogue is a work list of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart compiled by Austrian musicologist Ludwig von Köchel in 1862. It is characterized by frequent revisions to reflect the composition dates of works and the discovery of new pieces. The Foundation announced the new edition in Salzburg, Austria, on September 19, and this press conference in Japan serves as a continuation of that event.

The press conference also introduced newly added sheet music to the Köchel Catalogue, followed by a live performance, marking its Japanese premiere. The piece performed was a string trio composed of seven movements for violin and cello. This score was discovered in a library in Leipzig and had long been unacknowledged as a Mozart work. During the process of creating the new Köchel Catalogue edition, renewed research confirmed it as a composition by Mozart.

The International Mozarteum Foundation, responsible for this discovery, was established in 1880 by the citizens of Salzburg. Its origins trace back to the "Cathedral Music Society and Mozarteum" founded in 1841. Mozart's widow, Constanze, and his sons, Carl Thomas and Franz Xaver Wolfgang, donated a significant portion of their personal memorabilia to this society.

Since then, the Foundation has housed and managed an original collection including letters, portraits, and instruments belonging to the Mozart family. Its activities encompass three areas: organizing concerts, operating the Mozart Museum, and conducting scientific research, all aimed at preserving tradition while conveying Mozart's charm and achievements to the present day.

In Japan, a connection with the International Mozarteum Foundation was forged through Dai-ichi Life's support for the restoration of Mozart's former residence. As part of Dai-ichi Life's cultural and artistic patronage, Mozart's actual violin is brought to Japan every three years for exclusive concerts.

The next concert featuring Mozart's violin is scheduled for 2026, commemorating the 270th anniversary of his birth. Plans are also underway to exhibit a collection of precious artifacts related to Mozart concurrently.