Concerto for Flute and Oboe in C (1774)

Antonio Salieri (1750-1825)

1. Allegro spiritoso
2. Largo
3. Allegretto (come Minuetto)

Known today primarily for his fictional role in the death of Mozart as portrayed in the film Amadeus, Salieri was in fact a highly influential composer of around 40 Italian operas. He was also a teacher, including amongst his pupils Beethoven, Schubert and Liszt. Born near Venice and orphaned as a child, he attended the choir school of St Mark’s Venice from the age of 15. Only eight years later, in the same year he wrote this concerto, he was appointed director of Italian opera in the Hapsburg court. Thereafter Salieri concentrated on opera and sacred music.

This concerto is one of only a handful of instrumental compositions Salieri wrote. The influence of Italian opera is evident in the charming and often dramatic dialogue between the soloists, including a romantic duet in the slow movement.

Performed: 27/3/2022