Substitutes for Failed Movements?

Three of Mozart’s lesser-known violin compositions—K.261, K.269, and K.373—were never intended to stand on their own. Instead, they were written as replacements for movements in his earlier violin concertos that were, by all accounts, unsatisfactory. The Adagio K.261, composed in 1776, was meant to replace the second movement of the Violin Concerto K.219. The Rondo K.269, composed between 1775 and 1777, was designed to substitute the finale of K.207. Finally, K.373, composed much later in 1781, presents another curious case of substitution, though this time for an unknown purpose. The obvious question is: Why did Mozart feel compelled to rewrite these sections?

Dull Replacements, Questionable Quality

Despite these revisions, the new versions of the movements—K.261 and K.269—add nothing of substance to the overall quality of the violin concertos. The K.373, likewise, does little to improve on the originals. These works stand as testimony to Mozart’s creative struggle in the realm of violin music. What is particularly telling is that the only definitive evidence of Mozart’s authorship for these replacement movements comes from his own letters. It is odd, perhaps even suspicious, that the composer focuses on these minor works in his correspondence, while never once discussing his larger violin concertos. Was he, perhaps, aware of their limitations?

The Italian Connection

The Rondo K.373 was allegedly composed for the Italian violinist Antonio Brunetti, who was reportedly dissatisfied with the original movements. However, Brunetti was not only a violinist but also a composer in his own right. It is puzzling why he would need Mozart’s assistance to ‘fix’ movements he didn’t like. Adding to the strangeness is the fact that Mozart and Brunetti were not on good terms, making it even more perplexing why Mozart would have bothered to compose this replacement six years after the original concerto was written.

The “Concertone” Enigma

Another curious entry in Mozart’s violin output is the Concertone, composed in May 1774. Although it precedes his five violin concertos by only a year, its style is noticeably more archaic, presenting a stark contrast to the later works. The Concertone includes Baroque-like echoes of Vivaldi, particularly in its first movement, as well as an overly long and rather tedious Andantino. This piece may have been one of the reasons for Mozart’s struggles to secure employment during his travels to Mannheim, Munich, and Paris. Indeed, compared to the works of contemporaries such as Saint-George, the Concertone feels antiquated and out of place.