Mozart, W.A. - 12 Duos for Two Violas, K.487

Originally composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in 1786 (traditionally associated with horns or woodwinds), these 12 Duos are frequently arranged for various string pairings. When played by two violas, they provide a brilliant, rare spotlight on the middle voice of the string family, offering delightful Classical structures in an intimate chamber setting.

They range from elegant minuets to lively, driving allegros, making them absolute staples for intermediate pedagogical study.

Short Pedagogical Info

• Equal Partnership & Independence:

  • Unlike traditional student-teacher duets where the lower voice plays a simple bassline, these duos treat both viola parts with equal importance.

  • Pedagogical focus: Forces both players to develop absolute rhythmic independence, as they frequently swap roles between primary melody and intricate accompaniment.

• Tone Production in the Alto Clef Register:

  • The viola has a deep, resonant quality that can sound muddy if the bow stroke is too heavy, or thin if there isn't enough core sound.

  • Pedagogical focus: Excellent for teaching students how to balance bow speed and weight to pull a clear, spinning Classical tone out of the C and G strings, while keeping the upper string melodies bright and vocal.

• Intonation & Double Stops:

  • The transparent, two-voice texture leaves absolutely nowhere to hide when it comes to tuning.

  • Pedagogical focus: Helps students develop a keen ear for perfect intervals (fourths, fifths, and octaves) and third/sixth harmonies. It is a fantastic tool for training chamber music listening skills and micro-adjustments in real time.