Adagio in E Major, K. 261

It is widely believed that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) wrote the Adagio in E major, K. 261 in or around 1776 as a replacement for the second movement of his Violin Concerto No. 5 in A, K. 219. The likely reason for the replacement is a complaint by Italian violinist Antonio Brunetti, recently brought to the Salzburg court orchestra by the Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg, Heironymus Colloredo, that the original movements was “too artificial,” according to a letter from Leopold Mozart. The Mozarts, finding Brunetti boorish and morally objectionable, also would have thought his complaint regarding the “artificial” second movement to confirm their worst opinions of Italian taste. Still, young Mozart wrote the replacement Adagio as requested, and its serene beauty in sonata form remains a fine example of his lyrical ability. Instrumentation: 2.0.0.0: 2.0.0.0: Str (4-4-3-3-3 in set): Solo Violin in set.