Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante in E-flat major, K. 364 (1779), is a masterpiece blending symphony and concerto for violin, viola, and orchestra.
- Composition & Style: Written during a pivotal period in Salzburg (1779), it showcases a more mature, expressive style with a balanced, intimate partnership between the violin and viola.
- Instrumentation: Solo violin, solo viola, two oboes, two horns, and strings.
- Structure: It consists of three movements: I. Allegro maestoso, II. Andante (a deeply emotional, lyrical movement), and III. Presto.
- Scordatura Technique: To enhance the viola’s resonance and brilliance against the violin, the viola part is written in D major while the instrument is tuned a semitone higher (to E-flat).
- Significance: It is often considered one of Mozart’s greatest concerto-style works, balancing grandeur with moments of intimate “sorrowful” beauty.
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