Andante from Concerto No 21 for flute sextet

This Andante of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart‘s is one of his most beautiful solo melodies in conversation with orchestral accompaniment. Originally for piano and orchestra, it adapts very well for flute ensemble. The melody soars over a continuo triplet rhythm. In this arrangement, all parts have both supportive roles and a “star turn”, as the melody passes along to each at some point. The main technical issue is to maintain a firm hold on the rhythm that usually plays eighth or 16th notes against the triplets, thus avoiding a muddle rather than the interesting texture that Mozart designed.

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