Horn Concerto No. 2 (Mozart)

The Horn Concerto No. 2 in E-flat major, K. 417, is a concerto for solo horn and orchestra composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in 1783. It is one of four completed horn concertos attributed to Mozart, though questions remain about the authenticity of the first concerto.

This concerto, scored for two oboes, two horns, and strings (violins, violas, cellos, and basses), is typically performed in three movements:

• I. Allegro maestoso: A majestic and energetic movement in E-flat major. It features a typical concerto structure with orchestral expositions, solo passages showcasing the horn's capabilities, and thematic development.

• II. Andante: A lyrical and expressive slow movement, also in E-flat major. This movement focuses on showcasing the horn's tone and ability to play sustained melodic lines.

• III. Rondo. Allegro: A lively and playful rondo in E-flat major. The rondo theme is presented and then interspersed with contrasting episodes, providing a lighthearted and satisfying conclusion to the concerto.

The concerto was written for Joseph Leutgeb, a horn player and cheesemonger who was a friend of Mozart. Leutgeb was known for his technical skill on the horn, but Mozart was also known to playfully tease him, sometimes including humorous annotations in the score.

The Horn Concerto No. 2 is considered a staple of the horn repertoire, and is frequently performed and recorded. It is appreciated for its melodic beauty, balanced orchestration, and the effective use of the horn's capabilities. The concerto demonstrates Mozart's understanding of the instrument's characteristics and his ability to write engaging and memorable music.