Classical Music | Violin Music

Recorded on 07/15/2015, uploaded on 04/11/2016

Musician's or Publisher's Notes

Composed in 1778 in Mannheim, this sonata consists of two movements. The opening unison of the first movement, Allegro di molto, declares its sunny, lively atmosphere. The bouncy second theme renders the movement even more exuberant and animated. But there is also a moment of slight uncertainty and shyness towards the end of the second theme, as if to express some concern and perhaps put a slight damper over the radiant face.  In the development, there is no longer that brightness and the eight note unison starts to sound almost like drizzle. However, the overcast mood soon clears up and joyful melodies and dances will once again please us. 

The second movement, Andante grazioso, is a bit more subdued and tender, and it displays various characters through the form of theme and variation. The piano, especially in this movement, has a more prominent role than the violin (and these sonatas are indeed often listed as being written “for Piano and Violin”!).  Just listening to the first variation tells us how much Mozart loved the piano. At the end of the fourth variation, Mozart gives us a moment to step back and appreciate the journey by inserting a short cadenza-like Adagio played by the piano.    Notes by In Mo Yang

Courtesy of International Music Foundation.