Mozart Overture "Il Re Pastore" K. 208 for String Orchestra

Mozart: Overture to Il Re Pastore, K. 208 (String Orchestra)

Mozart wrote Il Re Pastore in 1775 at the age of nineteen, and the overture reflects exactly where he was at that point: fully in command of the Classical style, with bright melodic writing, clean counterpoint, and the confident energy the occasion demanded. This arrangement sets it for string orchestra, the original wind and brass parts absorbed into the string texture.

Il Re Pastore is one of Mozart's less-performed early stage works, which makes its overture a practical find for conductors who want something that carries the Mozart name without reaching for the pieces every orchestra already programmes. The overture is compact and well-crafted: clear themes, efficient construction, and the kind of polished Classical structure Mozart had already made his own as a teenager. In the string arrangement, the original wind writing moves into the upper strings, with viola and lower strings providing the harmonic and rhythmic foundation. The string version carries the original's character without compromise.

At four minutes it makes a neat concert opener, or sits comfortably within a Classical-period programme where variety of repertoire matters.

Check the score and parts preview images above, then watch the complete score video below. They'll give you a clear picture of the engraving quality and overall difficulty before you buy.

Key features

• Instrumentation: String Orchestra (Violin I, Violin II, Viola, Cello, Double Bass)
• Difficulty: accessible for school and chamber orchestras
• Duration: approximately 4 minutes
• Format: PDF download, full score and all parts

Who it's for

This suits school and chamber orchestras wanting a compact Mozart opener without the need for wind players. It works well in Classical-period programmes and gives conductors a less familiar Mozart title than the standard overtures, which can be a real advantage when planning a varied concert season.