Mozart composed his first string quintet at age 17, but then set the form aside for fourteen years, creating his final five quintets in the last four years of his life.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The addition of an extra viola to the string quartet freed Mozart in unexpected ways, offering a broader canvas and unlocking new possibilities for a richer, fuller sound.
Recording & Production
The instruments used for this recording, including the Ellen M. Egger Quartet and Paul Yarbrough's viola, were all crafted by luthier Francis Kuttner.
Instruments
The Ellen M. Egger Quartet of instruments, created by Francis Kuttner, includes two violins made on a 1705 Stradivari 'P' form and a violoncello on a modified 1709 Stradivari 'B' form.
Compositional Technique
Mozart's string quintets are generally longer than his string quartets, with two of them being among his longest chamber works, even longer than any of his symphonies.
Composer Biography
Mozart, though known as a pianist, was also a very good violinist and preferred playing the viola in chamber music.
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