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Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Concerto for Flute and Harp, K.299, C Major
Mozart was a coach for the Duke de Guines, a harpist, and his daughter, who played the flute. He composed the Concerto for Flute and Harp, K.299, C Major for them. The story goes that Mozart grew impatient while waiting for the payment for his composition. The bill was overdue by four months. But besides the coaching, the Duke decided his daugher should also be treated to composition lessons taught by the master. In a letter to his father, Wolfgang wrote about the status of his teacher pupil relationship. "If she gets no inspirations (and at present there are no signs of any) then it is all in vain, for God knows I can't give her any." In answering his son, Leopold suggested that his composition student should continue her lessons, while Wolfgang should consider having the expectations of an "ordinary mortal." Mozart considered K.299 below his standard of excellence. Of course, Mozart's idea of a poor composition would be most composers' idea of their best.
Most listeners will agree that the Andantino is a miracle of a slow movement illustrated by its elegant and memorable theme. The last movement, Rondo, reveals a French style which is based on a gavotte rhythm.
-- program notes by Laurien Jones