Violin Concerto No. 4 (Mozart)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart wrote the Violin Concerto No. 4 in D major during the year 1775 within Salzburg. The composer originally intended this piece for his own performance as a violinist. He later revised the work after departing from the Salzburg Court Orchestra. Antonio Brunetti became the successor who took over Mozart's position in that orchestra. Mozart updated the concerto specifically so Brunetti could play it instead of himself.
The autograph score of this concerto resides today inside the Biblioteka Jagiellońska library. This institution is located in the city of Kraków, Poland. The manuscript carries the International Standard Music Number M-006-45797-7. Scholars and musicians can access this physical document to study Mozart's handwriting directly. Preservation efforts keep the paper safe for future generations to examine.
This musical work follows a standard fast-slow-fast structure lasting approximately twenty-three minutes total. The first movement bears the tempo marking Allegro with a distinct march rhythm. A bugle-like gesture appears early in the opening measures of this section. Critics sometimes nickname this first movement the military concerto due to its rhythmic character. The second movement shifts to Andante cantabile and moves into the key of A major. The final movement returns to joy and fun under the title Rondeau. It alternates between Andante grazioso and Allegro ma non troppo sections.
Mozart scored this piece for a solo violinist accompanied by string instruments. Two oboes join the ensemble alongside two horns playing in D major. The horn parts add color to the orchestral texture throughout all three movements. No woodwinds other than the oboes appear in the score. This specific combination creates a bright sound suitable for the D major tonality.
Hilary Hahn has recorded interpretations of this concerto with the BBC Symphony Orchestra. Conductor Andrew Davis leads that same orchestra during her performances. These recordings offer contemporary listeners access to Mozart's original intentions through modern technique. Artists continue to choose this work for concert programs worldwide. The music remains popular among classical musicians seeking challenging repertoire from the eighteenth century.
Continue Browsing
Common questions
When did Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart write the Violin Concerto No. 4 in D major?
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart wrote the Violin Concerto No. 4 in D major during the year 1775 within Salzburg.
Who took over the position that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart originally intended for his own performance of the Violin Concerto No. 4?
Antonio Brunetti became the successor who took over Mozart's position in the Salzburg Court Orchestra and received the revised work from Mozart.
Where is the autograph score of the Violin Concerto No. 4 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart located today?
The autograph score of this concerto resides today inside the Biblioteka Jagiellońska library in Kraków, Poland.
What instruments accompany the solo violinist in the Violin Concerto No. 4 composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart?
Mozart scored this piece for a solo violinist accompanied by string instruments, two oboes, and two horns playing in D major.
How long does the Violin Concerto No. 4 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart last when performed?
This musical work follows a standard fast-slow-fast structure lasting approximately twenty-three minutes total.