[K 575, 589, 590]. Tre Quartetti per due Violini Viola e Basso ... Opera [18]. [Parts]
![[K 575, 589, 590]. Tre Quartetti per due Violini V](https://d3525k1ryd2155.cloudfront.net/h/509/692/1695692509.0.x.jpg)
- Vienna: Artaria e Compagni [PNs 360 and 361], 1791
Vienna: Artaria e Compagni [PNs 360 and 361], 1791. 4 volumes. Folio. Early marbled wrappers. Preserved in a custom-made green cloth folder with slipcase with dark red leather label gilt to spine. [1] (title within decorative border), 2-20; [1] (blank), 2-19; [1] (blank), 2-17; [1] (blank), 2-17 pp. Engraved. Plate number "360" to pp. 4-7 of first violin part only.
Slightly worn and thumbed; inner margin of title guarded just affecting edge of printed border; occasional markings in pencil and crayon; early signature to lower outer corner of title crossed out. First Edition, 4th issue of the Prussian Quartets. Haberkamp Text p. 326. BUC p. 709. RISM M6169 (not distinguishing among issues).
"The Prussian Quartets, K. 575, 589 and 590, form a group, since they are dedicated to King Friedrich Wilhelm in Berlin, who played the violoncello - or at least they were written with an eye towards such a dedication, for the first edition bears no dedication at all. The royal virtuosity had to be taken into account, and so in almost every movement of the three works the violoncello has a predominant part, while the second violin and viola retreat into the background. The quartets are slightly concertante, and yet they are purest chamber music. Mozart sometimes completely forgets his royal patron - as for instance in the minuet of the last quartet. These are three works that originated under the most dreadful spiritual oppression, and yet they rise to heights of pure felicity." Einstein: Mozart, p. 184.
Slightly worn and thumbed; inner margin of title guarded just affecting edge of printed border; occasional markings in pencil and crayon; early signature to lower outer corner of title crossed out. First Edition, 4th issue of the Prussian Quartets. Haberkamp Text p. 326. BUC p. 709. RISM M6169 (not distinguishing among issues).
"The Prussian Quartets, K. 575, 589 and 590, form a group, since they are dedicated to King Friedrich Wilhelm in Berlin, who played the violoncello - or at least they were written with an eye towards such a dedication, for the first edition bears no dedication at all. The royal virtuosity had to be taken into account, and so in almost every movement of the three works the violoncello has a predominant part, while the second violin and viola retreat into the background. The quartets are slightly concertante, and yet they are purest chamber music. Mozart sometimes completely forgets his royal patron - as for instance in the minuet of the last quartet. These are three works that originated under the most dreadful spiritual oppression, and yet they rise to heights of pure felicity." Einstein: Mozart, p. 184.