Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart 
(1756-1791)

Ballet Music from Idomeneo (excerpts)
Composed 1786

In 1780, Mozart received a commission to compose Idomeneo, a grand opera seria for the Elector of Bavaria in Munich. At just 24, he was already reshaping operatic traditions, blending French lyric influences with his own innovative dramatic approach. This opera, widely regarded as a turning point in Mozart’s career, laid the groundwork for his later masterpieces.

A highlight of Idomeneo is the ballet music that concludes the opera, requested by the Elector to mark the celebratory union of Idamante, son of Idomeneo, with the Trojan princess Ilia. These dances reflect the rich tradition of French operatic divertissements, which combined music and choreography to create lavish spectacles.

The ballet begins with a majestic chaconne in D major, a form synonymous with courtly grandeur. Mozart infuses the structure with his characteristic brilliance, alternating between ensemble refrains and contrasting episodes. These episodes offer varied moods, including a Larghetto section where the lower strings evoke an otherworldly tenderness.

Following the grandeur of the Chaconne, the Pas seul de M. Le Grand shifts the focus to a solo dance, performed with four contrasting sections that progressively build in intensity and agility. Mozart’s writing here is fleet-footed and expressive, capturing both the technical prowess of the dancer and the playful spirit of the choreography. The movement’s dynamic shifts and rising momentum drive towards an exhilarating conclusion, setting the stage for the ballet’s grand finale.

Together, these two movements represent the sophistication and dramatic flair of Mozart’s ballet music in Idomeneo. They highlight his remarkable ability to honor established traditions while infusing them with his signature innovation and emotional depth.

Instrumentation – two flutes, two oboes, two clarinets, two bassoons, two horns, two trumpets, timpani, and strings

Duration – 14 minutes

~ Kenneth Bean
Georg and Joyce Albers-Schonberg Assistant Conductor
Princeton Symphony Orchestra