Mozart: String Quintet No.1 in B-flat major, K.174

Introduction

The String Quintet No. 1 in B flat major, K. 174, was written by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in December 1773. Unlike Mozart's other viola quintets which are scored for two violins, two violas and cello- this early work is scored for two violins, two violas and basso.

Mozart composed this quintet a few months following the composition of the Viennese Quartets, K. 168-173 – indeed this work immediately follows that set in the first edition of the Köchel catalogue.

Movements

The work is in standard four movement form:

• I. Allegro moderato C in B-flat major
• II. Adagio C in E-flat major
• III. Menuetto ma Allegro 3/4 in B-flat major, with trio in F major
• IV. Allegro 2/4 in B-flat major