This serenade by Mozart is in five movements, all of which begin and end in e-flat. It begins with a rather impulsive allegro that regularly shifts moods and character and is anchored by the e-flat chords.
The first of the two menuettos is fitting with the character of the contemporary dance, stately and built around easily identifiable melodies, but with some chromatic twists.
The central adagio is a delicate sonatina that achieves full bloom in its recapitulation. The second menuetto begins energetic and turns pensive in its trio.
The finale blazes with enthusiasm to its final note.
Here is a wonderful performance of the entire Serenade that goes a long way towards capturing the contrasts of character in each movement.
