Concerto No. 5 in A Major, K.219 for violin and piano by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Original edition and with cadenzas by Joseph Joachim. 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 wrote all of his violin concertos as a teenager, possibly for himself to perform as the concertmaster of the Salzburg court orchestra. Though they are not as deep or complex as his later works, they are charming and gratifying for the player and popular with audiences, emphasizing beauty and expression over virtuosity. They have become integral to every violinist's development as a student and professional. His Concerto No. 5 in A Major, K.219 is nicknamed ''Turkish'' from its Turkish influence in the rondo finale, reflecting Austrian tastes of the time. More noteworthy, however, is his seamless blend of the contemporary French and Italian styles, as well as a willingness to push formal boundaries with his metric and harmonic experiments. Along with No. 4, it is his most popular violin concerto. Advanced level, Grade 5.
