Piano Concerto No. 21 In C Major ("Elvira Madigan"), Second Movement Excerpt Sheet Music Preview

Piano Concerto No. 21 In C Major ("Elvira Madigan"), Second Movement Excerpt: French Horn Solo

By Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Item: 35-DS00395409

Digital Download
$4.99
Description

Discover MakeMusic Cloud: thousands of interactive titles your students can play along with today.

Sample Audio
No sample audio found.
Sample Video
Additional Details
Publisher: Hal Leonard
Page Count: 1
SKU: 35-DS00395409

More about this title

About the Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Mozart composed his Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major during his Vienna years, a period of extraordinary productivity that yielded some of the Classical era's most enduring works. The concerto gained worldwide recognition in the 20th century when its second movement became the soundtrack to the 1967 Swedish film "Elvira Madigan," introducing generations of listeners to this serene masterpiece.

As a composer, Mozart had an unmatched gift for writing idiomatically across all instruments. His horn parts demand both technical facility and deep musicality, reflecting his close collaborations with Vienna's finest horn players. This excerpt showcases his ability to craft a sustained melodic line that sits naturally in the instrument's register while maintaining the graceful proportions that define his aesthetic.

Why we love this

This excerpt offers horn players a rare opportunity to showcase lyrical playing in one of Classical music's most recognized melodies. The piece demands sustained tone and phrase control without the aggressive technical demands that can overshadow musicality in more virtuosic repertoire. Programming this introduces audiences to Mozart's genius for accompaniment writing while giving your soloist a vehicle for genuine expression.

What to expect

Peaceful and contemplative, this melody floats above rippling piano accompaniment like a gentle meditation. The writing allows the horn to sing without strain, creating an intimacy that listeners find deeply moving even in its simplicity.

Who it's for

This solo works beautifully for intermediate to advanced horn students preparing for their first experience in recital or chamber settings. It also serves concert programming needs when you want to feature your horn section soloist in repertoire that audiences will recognize and appreciate.

How to get the most out of it

  • Anchor your phrasing to the harmonic rhythm of the piano accompaniment rather than the note values; this clarifies the Classical balance between solo and support
  • Shape the long lines with subtle dynamic inflection, treating slight swells and diminuendos as breath points rather than dramatic gestures
  • Maintain a centered, warm tone throughout the passage; the lyrical character depends on consistency across the range
  • Coordinate with your pianist on the tempo's underlying pulse; a slight lift before cadential gestures prevents the accompaniment from feeling rushed

How to use it

Pair this with other single-instrument features to create a recital that highlights your ensemble's soloists across multiple rehearsals. The familiarity of the melody makes it an ideal choice for a benefit concert, school assembly, or community engagement event where you want music that resonates immediately with mixed audiences.

Skills your students will build

  • Sustaining long, legato phrases with consistent air support
  • Balancing solo sound with accompaniment texture
  • Controlling vibrato as an expressive tool rather than ornament
  • Responding to harmonic changes through dynamic and tonal shaping

You May Also Like