Sinfonia Concertante for Violin, Viola and Orchestra (Mozart)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart wrote the Sinfonia Concertante for Violin, Viola and Orchestra in 1779. He was traveling through Europe during that year. The journey included stops at Mannheim and Paris. This period marked a time of experimentation for the composer. He explored the sinfonia concertante genre extensively. That style blended elements of symphony with concerto traditions. This work stands as his most successful attempt within that cross-over category.
The piece requires three movements for specific instruments. Solo violin and solo viola share the stage with two oboes. Two natural horns join the ensemble alongside strings. The string section includes a divided viola part to create rich harmony. The solo viola part is written in D major instead of E major. Performers tune the instrument a semitone sharper than standard pitch. This scordatura technique produces a more brilliant tone. Modern violists rarely use this method unless playing on original instruments. Those who do choose it project their sound over the orchestra more easily.
Richard Wigmore noted in Gramophone magazine in October 2015 that over forty CD recordings exist today. He selected one recording by Iona Brown and Lars Anders Tomter as the best available. They performed with the Norwegian Chamber Orchestra under the Chandos label CHAN9695. A 1989 recording featuring Iona Brown and Nobuko Imai also appears on his short list. Another notable version comes from the 1951 Casals Perpignan Festival. Isaac Stern played violin while William Primrose handled the viola role. Casals himself conducted that historic session.
This Sinfonia Concertante inspired many arrangers to adapt its themes for different ensembles. An uncredited arrangement appeared in 1808 published under the title Grande Sestetto Concertante. Six players divide all six parts equally among them. The music does not present soloists with accompaniment anymore. It functions as a true sextet instead. Other versions place cello in place of the viola part entirely. These adaptations have kept the work alive across centuries.
William Styron included this composition in his 1979 novel Sophie's Choice. A stranger molests Sophie on the subway during a key scene. She hears the Sinfonia Concertante playing on the radio at that moment. The music brings back memories of her childhood in Kraków. That sound snaps her out of her deep depression. The piece serves a critical narrative function within the story structure.
Michael Nyman adapted the slow movement for Peter Greenaway's film Drowning by Numbers. Variations on that second movement appear throughout the soundtrack. The original piece plays after each of the drownings in the screenplay. This integration connects the musical theme directly to the visual narrative. Nyman reworked the material to fit the film's specific emotional tone.
Common questions
When did Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart write the Sinfonia Concertante for Violin, Viola and Orchestra?
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart wrote the Sinfonia Concertante for Violin, Viola and Orchestra in 179. He was traveling through Europe during that year.
What instruments are required to perform the Sinfonia Concertante for Violin, Viola and Orchestra by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart?
The piece requires solo violin and solo viola to share the stage with two oboes and two natural horns alongside strings. The string section includes a divided viola part to create rich harmony while the solo viola part is written in D major instead of E major.
Which recording of the Sinfonia Concertante for Violin, Viola and Orchestra does Richard Wigmore consider the best available?
Richard Wigmore selected one recording by Iona Brown and Lars Anders Tomter as the best available. They performed with the Norwegian Chamber Orchestra under the Chandos label CHAN9695.
How has the Sinfonia Concertante for Violin, Viola and Orchestra been adapted for other ensembles since its creation?
An uncredited arrangement appeared in 1808 published under the title Grande Sestetto Concertante where six players divide all six parts equally among them. Other versions place cello in place of the viola part entirely to keep the work alive across centuries.
Why does the music play during the subway scene in William Styron's 1979 novel Sophie's Choice?
A stranger molests Sophie on the subway during a key scene and she hears the Sinfonia Concertante playing on the radio at that moment. The music brings back memories of her childhood in Kraków and snaps her out of her deep depression.
How did Michael Nyman use the slow movement from the Sinfonia Concertante for Violin, Viola and Orchestra in Drowning by Numbers?
Michael Nyman adapted the slow movement for Peter Greenaway's film Drowning by Numbers and variations on that second movement appear throughout the soundtrack. The original piece plays after each of the drownings in the screenplay to connect the musical theme directly to the visual narrative.