The story goes that when Mozart premiered the Sonata, KV. 454 with the Mantuan violin virtuoso Regina Strinasacchi, his own (piano) part was barely in sketch form yet he played it with spontaneous creativity. Moreover, the performance took place in the presence of the Emperor Josef II, which further attests to Mozart's ample self-assurance.
The Sonata is in three movements: it opens with a remarkable introduction, marked Largo in which the two instruments are on an equal footing and in perfect harmony with one other; the beauty is incandescent. The Allegro that follows is in clear contrast. Here the scale and arpeggio-like handling of the notes are playful and exuberant, the momentum both spirited and joyful.
The second movement, Andante, is the emotional heart of the work and is quintessential Mozart in its melodic intensity and depth of expression. The two instruments sing so beautifully that they appear to be truly inspired by a miraculous power. In the final movement, Allegretto, the mischievous and fun-loving side of Mozart returns: sforzandi come off the beat and chromatic figures with accidentals appear in the first theme. The movement is written in Rondo form; the sections between the Rondo theme never cease to flow; both instruments portraying a jolly mood. The work concludes with majesty and elegance. (Notes by Midori)
Classical Music | Violin Music
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Violin Sonata in B-flat major, KV 454 Play
Recorded on 02/02/2011, uploaded on 07/19/2011
Musician's or Publisher's Notes
The story goes that when Mozart premiered the Sonata, KV. 454 with the Mantuan violin virtuoso Regina Strinasacchi, his own (piano) part was barely in sketch form yet he played it with spontaneous creativity. Moreover, the performance took place in the presence of the Emperor Josef II, which further attests to Mozart's ample self-assurance.
The Sonata is in three movements: it opens with a remarkable introduction, marked Largo in which the two instruments are on an equal footing and in perfect harmony with one other; the beauty is incandescent. The Allegro that follows is in clear contrast. Here the scale and arpeggio-like handling of the notes are playful and exuberant, the momentum both spirited and joyful.
The second movement, Andante, is the emotional heart of the work and is quintessential Mozart in its melodic intensity and depth of expression. The two instruments sing so beautifully that they appear to be truly inspired by a miraculous power. In the final movement, Allegretto, the mischievous and fun-loving side of Mozart returns: sforzandi come off the beat and chromatic figures with accidentals appear in the first theme. The movement is written in Rondo form; the sections between the Rondo theme never cease to flow; both instruments portraying a jolly mood. The work concludes with majesty and elegance. (Notes by Midori)
More music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Lacrimosa from Requiem K. 626
Soave sia il vento, from Così fan tutte
Rondo in D Major, K. 485
Hostias from Requiem K.626
Sonata in D Major
Concerto No.21 Do major 2nd moviment
12 Variations in C Major on “Ah, vous dirai-je Maman” K. 265
Benedictus from Requiem K. 626
Piano Concerto 12 KV 414 (1ºmov)
Piano Sonata No. 8 in a minor, K 310
Performances by same musician(s)
Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso, Op. 28
Sonata for Violin solo, “Ballade" in d minor, Op.27, No. 3
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