Concerto no. 2 in D major for violin and orchestra, K. 211 WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART (1756-1791) Since 1770, Mozart held the Konzertmeister position of the archbishop's court orchestra in Salzburg. In this period he composed his five violin concertos, which were probably completed in 1775. These are the only concertos Mozart composed for the violin, and they can be perceived as a transitional stage, both in the genre’s development and in Mozart's writing. The second concerto in D major was written in the summer of 1775, and it is unknown who was the soloist when it premiered. Scholars believe it was Mozart himself, who mastered the instrument, and perhaps composed the violin concertos for his own performances as a soloist. At the time, the soloist assumed the role of conductor - a practice that remains in certain performances of Classical concerti to this day, as will be showcased tonight by Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider. This concerto follows the standard ternary form (fast-slow-fast). The first movement is written in the Galant style, which was popular prior to the Classical period and consisted of clarity and simplicity, contrary to the complexity of the late Baroque music. This simplicity is evident in the symmetrical division into clear phrases and in the texture of accompanied lyrical melodies, rather than a polyphonic texture. Alongside its Galant character, various elements demonstrate similarities to the Italian concerto of Vivaldi and others. For example, relatively extreme changes in dynamics, the use of multiple themes, and rapid alternation between the solo and tutti parts. The andante is an aria-like movement written in the sonata form. Featuring chromatic melodies and highly expressive leaps, it is much closer in character to Mozart’s late concerti. The third and most virtuosic movement of this concerto is a cheerful and energetic rondo. Unlike the first two movements in which the principal theme is first introduced by the orchestra, here the soloist opens with the theme - a kind of minuet followed by other dance-like themes. This theme repeats multiple times throughout the movement, until it exuberantly concludes the entire concerto. Noga Chelouche ca. 20 mins. Allegro moderato Andante Rondo: Allegro
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