Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart composed the Horn Quintet in E-flat major, K. 407 (386c), in 1782 for the soloist Joseph Leutgeb. The work calls for one horn, one violin, two violas and one cello, which differs from the typical string quartet[1] arrangement that includes two violins.

Horn Quintet
by W. A. Mozart
The composer in 1782
KeyE-flat major
CatalogueK. 407
GenreChamber music
StyleClassical period
Composed1782 (1782)
MovementsThree (Allegro, Andante, Rondo – Allegro)
Scoring

Structure

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The work consists of three movements: Allegro, Andante, Rondo Allegro with an approximate duration of 17 minutes. The inclusion of two viola parts gives the work a richer, deeper sound, complementing the range of the horn soloist.[2][3]

History

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This piece was composed in Vienna shortly after Mozart's marriage, around the same time as Die Entführung aus dem Serail. It is the first work Mozart wrote for his friend Joseph Leutgeb. Leutgeb's instrument, a natural horn, lacked the valves found in the modern French horn. The finale makes virtuosic demands on the soloist. The later horn solo pieces for an ageing Leutgeb by Mozart show lesser demands on the soloist.[4] The Horn Quintet was first published by Breitkopf & Härtel in 1883. Since the original autograph score has been lost, modern performances are based on this first edition.[5]

References

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  1. ^ Eric Bromberger. "Horn Quintet in E-flat major, K. 407". Los Angeles Philharmonic. Retrieved April 9, 2021.
  2. ^ Kai Christiansen. "Horn Quintet in E-flat major, K. 407 (386c) (for violin, 2 violas, cello and horn)". earsense.org. Retrieved April 9, 2021.
  3. ^ Sally Odom. "Oboe Quartet, Horn Quintet & other works". Hyperion Records. Retrieved April 9, 2021.
  4. ^ "Mozart Horn Quintet in E-flat, K. 407". fugueforthought.de. 11 March 2017. Retrieved April 9, 2021.
  5. ^ "Horn Quintet in E-flat major K. 407 (386c)". SheetMusicPlus.com. Retrieved April 9, 2021.
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