Piano Concerto No. 9 (Mozart)

Piano Concerto No. 9 in E-flat major, K. 271, "Jeunehomme" is a piano concerto composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in 1777, when he was 21 years old. It is considered one of his early masterpieces and a pivotal work in the development of the classical piano concerto.

The concerto is scored for solo piano, two oboes, two horns, and strings. It is in three movements:

• I. Allegro: A lively and dramatic opening movement, notable for its unusual orchestral introduction that immediately presents the main themes, rather than deferring to the soloist. The interplay between the piano and orchestra is particularly sophisticated.
• II. Andantino: A somber and operatic slow movement in C minor. Its expressive depth and emotional intensity are often cited as anticipating the Romantic era. The use of woodwinds provides a poignant color to the melody.
• III. Rondeau. Presto - Menuetto cantabile - Presto: A spirited and virtuosic finale in E-flat major. This movement features a surprising and charming middle section in the form of a minuet, a characteristic that sets it apart from other concertos of the time. The concerto concludes with a return to the energetic Presto tempo.

The nickname "Jeunehomme" is a misnomer. For many years, it was believed that the concerto was written for a visiting French pianist named "Jeunehomme," but this has been largely disproven. Current scholarship suggests the concerto may have been intended for Victoire Jenamy (or Jenamy), daughter of the ballet master Noverre.

Regardless of the intended dedicatee, Piano Concerto No. 9 stands as a significant milestone in Mozart's career and a landmark work in the piano concerto repertoire. It is renowned for its originality, expressive range, and the balanced dialogue between soloist and orchestra.