Just as people praise the last three symphonies of Mozart, we should honor his last three greatest violin sonatas: K. 454 in B-flat, K. 481 in E-flat, and K. 526 in A Major. I think it goes without saying that these are masterpieces, but they are widely unknown because people often neglect the violin sonata repertoire in general.

This E-flat major first movement has actually a lot in common with the fist movement of Symphony #39 in the same key. Both have Allegros in 3/4-time that exhibit, in their first themes, a triadic opening statement and a low chromatic four-note descent from B-flat to G-natural. Both have a similar mood and character. The opening is remarkable. The antecedent and consequent of the first phrase are each a graceful six measures, rather than the square four or two. The chromatic descent from B-flat to G-natural is actually prepared by the opening if you analyze the music. In the development, we actually hear the "Credo" motif to appear in the 'Jupiter' Symphony as well!

The crowning jewel of this piece is surely the magnificent slow movement, with its composed variations and shocking modulations. At one point the main theme appears in the Neapolitan key area, but one might not realize at first listening that Mozart has strayed so far from home.

The last movement is a set of variations to cool us down after such a breathtaking series of events. How well deserved it is!

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Violin Sonata No. 33 in E-flat Major, K. 481