Mozart Piano Concerto Excerpt

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Blog #5

Mozart, Piano Concert in A Major, K488, second movement, mm.1-12

Here are the Roman Numerals in f-sharp minor for measures 1-12:

M1 – i

M2 – ii half 42 V 42

M3 – i iv

M4 – i64 V

M5 – vi6 iihalf7

M6 – III i

M7 – iv65 V6

M8 – i4-3 VI

M9 – N6

M10 – N6

M11 – i64 V64-53

M12 – i

I was able to find a recording of the concerto on Naxos Music Library. There are multiple versions available to listen to. In these twelve measures it feels like there could be two or three phrase. The first phrase is in measures 1-4. This theme is varied in measures 5-8, and at the beginning of measures 9. In the middle of measures 4 and 5, and 8 and 9, there are two eight note rests, but it feels like the performer could make those rests longer to be more expressive. Since this movement is an adagio and is in a minor key it sounds very pensive and contemplative. The phrases have similar motives but vary a little with the rhythm. The phrases end with half cadence and the last cadence has a five chord suspension going to a one chord right as the orchestra enters. Some notes feel like they could be held out longer as if played with a tenuto. It was difficult to figure out some of the roman numerals since there are many embellishing tones and it’s hard to decide which notes belong to the chord. The Neapolitan sixth chord in measures 9 and 10 are a bit surprising, but sound kind of odd and from outterspace. I think it’s odd that the chord is held out for two whole measures. It feels like we are getting to much Neapolitan since the left hand plays the same thing. I think the b-sharp in measure 6 sounds accented more, and when it goes up to the c, there was more emphasis on the b-sharp than on the c. I enjoy listening to adagios and slower movements. It’s relaxing and the performer can be very expressive.