Concerto for Flute and Harp in C major (K.299) (Flute, Harp & Piano)

Mozart Concerto for Flute and Harp in C major (K.299) (Flute, Harp & Piano)

During Mozart’s stay in Paris in 1778, Baron Grimm introduced the composer to Adrien-Louis Bonniéres de Souastre, Duc de Guines.  Mozart reported that de Guines, a former French ambassador to England, played  “the flute incomparably well”, while his daughter played “the harp magnificently”.  Although the little Duchess took composition lessons from Mozart, her teacher was far from pleased with her progress. Leopold Mozart later mitigated his son's harsh judgement by writing to him: "Do you think everybody has your talent?".  Mozart thus wrote the Concerto for Flute and Harp in the "easiest" key of C major for father and daughter.

Although the autograph is not dated, certain passages in Mozart’s letters suggest that he wrote it around April 1778.  The work is a splendid example of charming salon music, a “galanterie”, albeit a Mozartian one, which makes only moderate demands on the technical skills of the two soloists and the small orchestra.

- Urtext of the New Mozart Edition

- Full score and parts (BA4598), Flute & Piano reduction (BA4598-90) and study score format 22.5 x 16.5cm (TP286) available for sale