Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Duo for Violin and Viola in G major, K. 423, was composed in Salzburg in 1783.
It was part of a collection of six duos commissioned from Michael Haydn, who, however, was unable to complete more than four of them due to illness. Mozart composed the final two duos for him, lending a helping hand in his hour of need.
In Duo No. 1, K. 423, both instruments are equal partners: themes, motifs and accompaniments appear in constant alternation in both parts. The fact that Mozart (as in the ‘Sinfonia concertante’ in E-flat major, K. 364) wrote such a prominent and virtuosic part specifically for the viola was unusual for the time. Consequently, this work, arranged as a duet for flute and alto flute, is a delightful and musically rich addition, particularly to the alto flute repertoire.
In this arrangement, the first movement has been transposed a fourth higher, from G major to C major, to suit the range of both flutes better. The following two movements are in their original keys.
Barbara Hill
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Audio
Allegro
Adagio
Rondeau Allegro
