Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante is a work that bursts with the joy of exploring new instrumental sound combinations and possibilities. It also marks a sort of turning point, in essence summing up much of what Mozart had achieved to date as an artist.
The compositional style here, as the name indicates, is basically a hybrid between the symphony and the concerto. Like Haydn, Mozart exploits his rather modest orchestral ensemble to the maximum; there’s no percussion, nor even flutes or Mozart’s beloved clarinets. However, he divides the violas into two for a richer string blend. The proportions of the opening movement (marked with the epic-sounding tempo “Allegro maestoso”) are generous and expansive, further contributing to the work’s symphonic aspect.
Here are violinist Isabelle Faust and violist Tabea Zimmenrmann to play the third movement for you:
