CCXLII. MOZART, Wolfgang Amadeus (1756-1791)
The seventeen-year-old Mozart was being schlepped around Europe in the hopes of landing a permanent, good-paying position. Whether due to his own undisguised arrogrance, or his father's constant pestering of the nobility, nothing usually happened.
Nevertheless, the kid poured his heart out into all genres of music -- in this case, after careful study of many of the great Haydn quartets -- he upped the ante.
These six string quartets (K. 168-173) were considerably more advanced than his previous efforts, and he hoped to have them published (they were not, in his lifetime) ...
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First Movement
Haydn-like -- for sure -- but check out the nice deceptive cadence in Bar 7.
The second theme is positively graceful.
The development idea is also quite charming:
Second Movement
A three-against-two rhythm is maintained throughout, producing a gently sweeping feeling:
Third Movement
Again, the word charming comes to mind -- particularly that delicate trio:
The Rondeau cleverly moves between major and minor. The octave leaps of the first violinist are an unusual feature of this delightful work from a young -- sadly unappreciated (at the time) -- genius.
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