Adagio in E Major, K.261 for violin and piano by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Edited by Zino Francescatti. Reduction by K.H. Fuessl. Published by International
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) was one of the most prominent composers of the Classical period and is often considered one of the greatest composers of Western art music. A noted child prodigy, he excelled in all genres. His music is revered for its beauty, clarity, balance, and transparency, underpinned by sophisticated craftsmanship.
Mozart composed his ''Adagio'' in E Major, K.261 as an alternate slow movement for his Violin Concerto No. 5 in A Major, K.219, fulfilling a request by Italian violinist Antonio Brunetti, who complained that the original was ''artificial''. Though history has proven Brunetti's remarks to be without merit, as the original version of the concerto is the one performed today, Mozart's replacement ''Adagio'' has since become a popular standalone piece in its own right. Intermediate-Advanced level, Grade 4.
