A Disputed Legacy

The authenticity of works attributed to Mozart has been a persistent topic of discussion among scholars. Many compositions that bear his name are, in fact, merely copies or printed versions, raising doubts about their true origins. Even when an autograph exists and has been authenticated as Mozart’s handwriting, questions remain. This is precisely the case with Concerto for Horn and Orchestra K.412, a composition that has long been played under Mozart’s name but may in fact be yet another clever fabrication.

While the autograph of K.412 is held in Krakow’s library, and the NMA (Neue Mozart-Ausgabe) deems it authentic, the reality is more complex. The concerto consists of two movements, the first of which is complete, while the second— a rondo—remains fragmentary. There is also a spurious full version of this rondo, listed as K.514, which has been dubiously attributed to Mozart’s assistant, Franz Xaver Süssmayr. It raises the question: how much of this music is truly Mozart’s?

An Incomplete Work

Significantly, there is no slow movement, and no evidence suggests that one was ever composed or even planned. Mozart never included K.412 in his own catalogue, likely because the work remained incomplete during his lifetime. Despite this, the concerto is regularly performed alongside the artificial K.514 version, misleading audiences into believing they are hearing an authentic Mozart composition.

Intriguingly, the manuscript for K.412 bears an annotation by the publisher André, who acquired the manuscript from Constanze Mozart, dating it to 1782. However, Alan Tyson’s analysis of the paper used for the autograph reveals that it was not employed by Mozart until 1786—four years later than originally claimed. This is the same paper used for The Marriage of Figaro, which places the concerto much later in Mozart’s life than Constanze or André suggested. Tyson further concluded that the first movement and the incomplete rondo were likely written between 1789 and 1791, near the end of Mozart’s life.

The Leutgeb Connection

Mozart’s close relationship with Joseph Leutgeb, the horn player for whom this concerto was ostensibly written, adds another layer to the story. Leutgeb had been a loyal companion of the Mozarts during their Italian tours and was deeply connected to the family. Despite his talents, Leutgeb struggled financially and relocated to Vienna in 1777 in search of better prospects. His friendship with Mozart remained strong, as evidenced by numerous anecdotes, including those involving The Magic Flute, where Leutgeb attended performances with Constanze.

However, the annotations in the K.412 score—written by Mozart himself—offer a more humorous, and perhaps vulgar, insight into their relationship. The composer’s scribbles between the staves reveal his jesting attitude towards Leutgeb’s playing, with phrases like “Signor Asino” and “Oh, maledetto!” providing a window into the playful (and, at times, coarse) banter between the two. These comments, often censored in modern editions, suggest a more personal and, frankly, less flattering view of this so-called masterpiece.

A Controversial Rondo

One of the most contentious aspects of this work is the Rondo in K.514, often attached to performances of K.412. This rondo, long considered part of the concerto, was not written by Mozart at all but by his assistant, Süssmayr. Yet it continues to be performed under Mozart’s name, a practice which defies the principles of musicological integrity.

Musicologists like Benjamin Perl have pointed out the stark differences between the first movement of K.412 and other mature works by Mozart. Perl highlights the incongruent harmonic language, inconsistent orchestration, and unusual use of chromaticism in the score. These details further complicate any attempt to attribute the work solely to Mozart, particularly when one considers that the final sections may not even be his.