Stadler had moved to Vienna in 1773 to become, with his younger brother, Johann Nepomuk, the first clarinetists to be employed by the Court Orchestra. Stadler had at this time, altered his instrument to allow a downward extension. It was for this basset clarinet and player, Mozart wrote the concerto for. We can hear in the clarinet scalic patterns, Mozart exploring the full range of the new musical instrument. At the time this concerto was written the clarinet was not a common instrument and was often used just to replace the oboe. This concerto was Mozart's last work before he died.
Instruments.
Flutes.
Bassoons.
Trumpets.
Solo Clarinet.
Violin.
Viola.
Cello.
Double Bass.
Structure.
Orchestral Ritornello: bars 1-56.
Solo Exposition: bars 57- 154 .
Ritornello: bars 154-71.
Development: bars 172-227.
Ritornello: bars 227-50.
Recapitulation: bars 251-343.
Ritornello: bars 343-59.
Orchestral Ritornello.
The first theme is presented by the violins and solo clarinet in bars 1-8. It is then repeated with the whole orchestra and some development occurs. This theme is then branded with a descending passage starting on the fifth degree of the scale. Between bars 16-19 an important section of the theme is introduced. A semiquaver pattern is developed frequently throughout the clarinet part and displays the soloist's virtuosity. This semiquaver pattern features chromaticism and heads to a cadence on the dominant. Mozart does not introduce a second orchestral subject. He does however, re introduce the theme in whole or part form throughout the piece. Such is the ritornello form. The rest of the ritornello regards tutti development of the main subject- mainly chromatic running passages, which end in perfect cadences. The use of infrequent perfect cadences demonstrates Mozart's later style.
Solo Exposition.
The clarinet details the principal theme and enters with limited accompaniment.