Mozart Sinfonia Concertante for Violin, Viola & String Orchestra

Mozart's Sinfonia Concertante in E-flat major, K. 364 sets violin and viola against each other as true equals, an unusual choice in 1779 that gave the viola a genuine solo voice, rare in the concertante repertoire of the period. This edition keeps both solo parts as Mozart wrote them and rescores the original oboe and horn writing for string orchestra, so ensembles without wind players can still take on one of the great works of the Classical concertante literature.

Both soloists carry equal weight throughout. Violin and viola trade the same material constantly, answering each other in close dialogue rather than one accompanying the other, so both players need the stamina and tone to sustain a genuine solo role across three movements. Mozart's writing includes extended cadenza passages in the first and second movements, his own, not later additions, sustained double-stopping for the viola, and long lyrical lines that demand real control of bow and vibrato from both soloists. The string orchestra part carries what was originally the oboe and horn writing, redistributed into the string texture so the ensemble supports both soloists without needing a wind section. The balance follows what Mozart built into the original: the orchestra frames and punctuates, but the soloists lead.

At around 25 minutes across three movements, Allegro maestoso, Andante, and Presto, this sits as a substantial concert centrepiece rather than a filler item. The Andante, the only movement in a minor key, gives both soloists an extended lyrical dialogue that contrasts with the brightness of the outer movements. Programme it where you'd programme a double concerto: as the main work on the bill, with shorter pieces either side.

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: Solo Violin, Solo Viola, String Orchestra
• Difficulty: Diploma level to early professional repertoire
• Duration: approximately 25 minutes (three movements)
• Style focus: sustained double-stopping, extended cadenza passages, close dialogue between soloists
• Format: PDF download, full score and all parts

This suits professional and pre-professional string players building concerto repertoire, conservatoire students preparing a diploma recital, and orchestras with two soloists ready to take on a genuine three-movement concertante work. It's also a strong choice for a violin and viola pairing looking for repertoire that treats both instruments as true equals.