The Sinfonia Concertante by Mozart is a hybrid concerto-symphony, a concerto format in which solo instruments tend to blend into an orchestral fabric. In this case, it is believed that Mozart chose it as a father and son affair, with the overbearing Leopold Mozart taking the violin part and Wolfgang playing the viola.
There is affectionate interplay between the two solos. While often sounding dutifully submissive, the viola shows an emotional maturity out of the violin’s depth.
With this music, Mozart’s mission is one that would prove as much societal as musical. For the first time in this young man’s already triumphantly flourishing career, Mozart shows us that the two solo instruments can be truly equals.
Here are two fine artists to play the third movement for you:
