Adagio and Fugue in C minor, K546

Adagio and Fugue in C minor K546

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)

SATB Saxophone Quartet

Adagio and Fugue in C minor K546 by Mozart – string quartet transcription for saxophone quartet SATB. This is Mozart’s String Quartet, No. 27 arranged for SATB saxophone quartet. It is complete and in the original key of C minor. There are only two movements.

Mozart dated his String Quartet No. 27, Adagio and Fugue in C minor “Vienna, 26 June 1788” – the prolific summer when he composed his last three symphonies. The K546 fugue is a transcription of the Fugue in C minor for two pianos, K. 426, from 1783. The adagio (not part of K. 426) is written in 3/4, the fugue in cut time with its tempo marked allegro. The syncopated rhythms of the adagio moving into the quick moving counterpoint of the fugue gives the piece the quality of a French overture. The adagio is angular and dramatic. The dark sonority of C minor and its frantic ending give the fugue an anxious and ominous feel.

This is a work for advanced players. There are some ossia sections providing somewhat easier alternatives, but overall the piece is difficult.

• The range for each saxophone part is shown below.
• Audio and score excerpts are available above.

Saxophone ranges for Adagio and Fugue in C Minor, K546

Smaller notes indicate optional pitches – alternatives are provided in the parts.

About the Composer

Biography of W. A. Mozart