Mozart Piano Sonata Nº 1 in C K279: Transcribed for Cello and Simple Accompaniment

Although this is Mozart‘s first published piano sonata, composed in 1774/1775 when he was barely 19 years old, it is in no way an immature or juvenile work. His youth is most visible in the fast, agile, virtuosic piano writing of many passages in the two outer movements, which create considerable technical difficulties for any cellist wanting to play the literal transcription. This makes the “Easier Versions” potentially useful even for an accomplished cellist. And we can always make our own “Easier Version”, simplifying only those passages that are giving us insurmountable difficulties.

The key has been taken down a tone from the original C major, bringing the two outer movements into Bb major and the slow movement into Eb major.

FIRST MOVEMENT: Allegro

Even though this is a “Sonata”, the many difficult, virtuoso passages in this movement bring it almost into the category of a concerto. We might be a lot happier (and healthier) just listening to it played on the piano rather than trying to play it on the cello but it is actually a lot of fun to play, it makes most other pieces feel easy, and nobody says we have to perform it in public !

If we play a literal transcription of what Mozart wrote for the pianist’s left hand, the second cello part is also extremely difficult, mainly because of the complex Alberti basslines with their rapid oscillations across strings and the fast changes of harmonies and dynamics. We have simplified these problematic passages in two alternative versions with different degrees of difficulty so that the second cello part can be played without the need for grand virtuosity.

Engraving Files (XML)

Here is an audio recording of the play-along accompaniment. A one-bar introduction has been added. If you download it, then it can be played at any speed with the help of an app like “The Amazing Slowdowner”.

Here is a home recording of the cello part with the above accompaniment.

And here is a home recording of the cello duo version, with the “difficult” second cello part (much easier to record than to play in a live performance, thanks to the possibility of recording many different “takes”).

SECOND MOVEMENT: Andante

For the numerous sudden changes between forte and piano in this movement, we will need to decide whether to execute them abruptly (as written) or to connect (merge) these dynamic changes more gradually, using crescendos and diminuendos. Certainly, this writer believes that the second option is far superior, giving the movement a more lyrical and flowing character to these strong contrasts.

Engraving Files (XML)

Here is a recording of the play-along accompaniment for this movement played on the harp. A one-bar introduction has been added so that we can know when to start playing

Here is a home recording of this movement played by the transcriber with the above harp accompaniment:

And here is a home recording of the cello duo version:

THIRD MOVEMENT: Allegro

Engraving Files

Here is a downloadable audio of the piano accompaniment, at concert speed. If downloaded, you can play it back at a slower tempo using an app like The Amazing Slowdowner”. This will definitely be necessary for some of the faster passages at least ! A two-bar introduction has been added so that we can know when to start.

Here is a home recording of this movement, played by the transcriber with the cellofun accompaniment:

And here is a home recording of the cello duo version: