Mozart's Violin Concertos: An Overview

Mozart, a prodigious composer of Classical music, wrote a total of five violin concertos that are now recognized as his major works. These pieces are not only significant in the violin repertoire but also showcase the young composer's development during his early years.

The Five Recognized Viennese Concertos

Mozart composed five violin concertos between 1773 and 1776, while he was living in Salzburg, Austria. These concertos are: Vln. Concerto No. 1 in B-flat major, K. 207: This concerto is believed to have been composed in 1773, marking his early Salzburg period. Vln. Concerto No. 2 in D major, K. 211: Written in 1775, this concerto is one of the earliest known works by Mozart as a teenager. Vln. Concerto No. 3 in G major, K. 216: Composed in 1775 at the age of 19, this concerto is another example of his prodigious talent. Vln. Concerto No. 4 in D major, K. 218: Also from 1775, this concerto further demonstrates Mozart's developing musical maturity. Vln. Concerto No. 5 in A major, K. 219: Written in 1775, this final concerto in the set shows his refined skills as a composer. These concertos are often considered some of the most remarkable works of this period in Mozart's career, displaying his ability to craft highly expressive and technically challenging pieces for both soloist and ensemble.

Alternative Works Attributed to Mozart

While these five concertos are firmly established as Mozart's, there are two other concertos that were once attributed to him but are now disputed. These are: Concerto No. 6, K. 268: This concerto, once considered Mozart's, is now believed to be the work of Johann Friedrich Eck, another composer of the period. Concerto No. 7 (K. 271a): This concerto raises questions about its attribution to Mozart. Scholars are still debating whether it is a genuine work by the composer or a later adaptation.

Read more about the specific issues surrounding Concerto No. 7

Context and Significance

Mozart composed these works as part of his educational and professional development in Salzburg. He aimed to provide himself with decent music to play, reflecting his skill as a violinist and pianist from a very young age. The five true concertos by Mozart are of immense historical and musical value. They not only highlight his early career but also serve as a testament to his developing compositional style. These works were composed as premium pieces of his Salzburg period, where he was immersed in a musical environment that greatly influenced his later works.

Conclusion

In summary, Mozart composed a total of five recognized violin concertos between 1773 and 1776, all of which were written in Salzburg, Austria. These concertos are significant works that showcase Mozart's early compositional prowess and are central to the study of his music as well as the solo violin repertoire. For more detailed information and further reading, explore the articles and sources on Mozart's violin concertos available online and in academic literature.