Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart completed his String Quintet No. 5 in 1790, only a year before the composer’s death. Mozart composed six string quintets during his lifetime, all of which are considered “viola quintets”. Viola quintets are scored for string quartet with an added viola.
The viola has a very important role within the string quartet. It has a warm sound that blends well with the rest of the voices.
The first movement of the work shows the influence of Joseph Haydn, who was a close friend of Mozart’s. These influences can be seen in many other works of Mozart, including his famous “Dissonance” quartet. The part-writing is very involved for each performer. In this movement, there is a focus on rhythm in particular, as well as many call-and-response motives between the first violin and the rest of the ensemble.
The second movement is slow and lyrical, bringing back similar material heard within the first movement.
Within the third movement, a minuet and trio, the Haydn-esque spirit of rhythm and phrasing can be heard once again.
The final movement is brilliant and spritely, with the return of the violin’s figures of the first movement shaping the overall mood of the piece.
Here is this wonderful music of Mozart:
