Quartet No. 21 in D Major K575 “Prussian” (Mozart)
Movements
i Allegretto, in D major, ii Andante, in A major, iii Menuetto: Allegretto, in D major with a trio section in G major, iv Allegretto in D major
Notes
Written in 1789 for keen cellist, the King of Prussia, K.575 begins sotto voce with a delicate trio. Operatic overture exuberance soon unfolds, showcasing prominent cello lines (in deference to the King) and balanced by a strong conversational texture between all instruments. Mozart was at a financial crunch point in life and hoped that this commission would resurrect his fortunes. Small compensation was his only reward to compose six quartets for the musically enthusiastic King. K.575 is one of three “Prussian” quartets that Mozart completed before his death.
