Mozart wrote about 35 sonatas for keyboard and violin, including some that were left unfinished. Only one is in a minor key, the Sonata in E minor, K. 304, written in 1778 in Paris. The minor tonality gives this music a dignity and gravity unusual in the sequence of his violin sonatas, and though this music was composed when Mozart was only 22, it is universally regarded as one of his finest chamber works.
It is in only two movements. The Allegro takes its character from the somber opening theme, played in unison by violin and piano. The jaunty second subject, first announced by the piano, does little to change the mood, and the opening theme dominates the movement. Mozart marks the second movement Tempo di minuetto, but this music is far more serious than most minuets. Solo piano plays the gravely graceful opening melody, and soon the two instruments take turns with it - this melody returns continually. At the center of the movement, though, Mozart shifts to E major, and this measured, calm section is the true glory of a glorious sonata. Two hundred years after this music was written, it is difficult to disagree with Alfred Einstein's claim that the Sonata in E minor is "one of the miracles among Mozart's works." Notes by Eric Bromberger
Classical Music | Violin Music
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Sonata in e minor for Piano and Violin, K. 304 Play
Recorded on 09/27/2017, uploaded on 03/11/2019
Musician's or Publisher's Notes
I. Allegro
II. Tempo di menuetto
Mozart wrote about 35 sonatas for keyboard and violin, including some that were left unfinished. Only one is in a minor key, the Sonata in E minor, K. 304, written in 1778 in Paris. The minor tonality gives this music a dignity and gravity unusual in the sequence of his violin sonatas, and though this music was composed when Mozart was only 22, it is universally regarded as one of his finest chamber works.
It is in only two movements. The Allegro takes its character from the somber opening theme, played in unison by violin and piano. The jaunty second subject, first announced by the piano, does little to change the mood, and the opening theme dominates the movement. Mozart marks the second movement Tempo di minuetto, but this music is far more serious than most minuets. Solo piano plays the gravely graceful opening melody, and soon the two instruments take turns with it - this melody returns continually. At the center of the movement, though, Mozart shifts to E major, and this measured, calm section is the true glory of a glorious sonata. Two hundred years after this music was written, it is difficult to disagree with Alfred Einstein's claim that the Sonata in E minor is "one of the miracles among Mozart's works." Notes by Eric Bromberger
More music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Lacrimosa from Requiem K. 626
Violin Sonata No. 28 in E Flat Major, K. 380
Rondo in D Major, K. 485
Soave sia il vento, from Così fan tutte
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)
Performances by same musician(s)
Romance in f minor, Op. 11
Tzigane
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