Sonata for Two Pianos in D major (Mozart)

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The Sonata for Two Pianos in D major, K. 448 is a solo piano work composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in 1781, at 25 years of age. It is written in strict Sonata-Allegro Form, with three movements. The sonata was composed for a performance he would give with fellow pianist Josephine von Aurnhammer.[1] Mozart composed this in the galant style, with interlocking melodies and simultaneous cadences. This is his only formal composition for Two Pianos exclusively.

Contents

[edit] Description

The sonata is written in three movements, Allegro con spirito, Andante, and Molto Allegro.

[edit] Allegro con spirito

The first movement begins in D major, and sets the tonal center with a strong introduction. The two pianos divide the main melody for the exposition, and when the theme is presented both play it simultaneously. Mozart spends little time in the developement, and begins the recaputulation, repeating the first theme.

[edit] Andante

The entire second mevement is played Andante, in a very relaxed pace. The melody is played with both pianos, but there is no strong climax in this movement. It is written in a strict ABA form.

[edit] Molto Allegro

Molto Allegro begins with a galloping theme. The cadences used in this movement are similar to those in Mozart's Rondo alla Turca.

[edit] Notes