Elvira Madigan

Album: Mozart: Elvira Madigan (1785)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Elvira Madigan is the nickname of Mozart's "Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major," which he wrote in 1785 within a space of 4 weeks. It is one of Mozart's most popular piano concertos, and has three movements.
  • The concerto was penned for a series of Lenten subscription concerts given by Mozart in 1785. However, it was actually premiered at Mozart's benefit concert at the National Court Theater on March 10 of that year. A handbill for the concert announced that it would include "a new, just finished Forte piano Concerto."
  • The slow second movement is the best known part of this piece thanks to its use in Elvira Madigan, a 1967 Swedish film about a tragic tightrope walker, which gave the concerto its name.
  • The second movement's title is "Andante in F major." "Andante" refers to the tempo marking, which in this instance means to be performed at a moderately slow speed. "Andante" is Italian for "a walking pace."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Jon Anderson of Yes

Jon Anderson of YesSongwriter Interviews

From the lake in "Roundabout" to Sister Bluebird in "Starship Trooper," Jon Anderson talks about how nature and spirituality play into his lyrics for Yes.

Mike Campbell

Mike CampbellSongwriter Interviews

Mike is lead guitarist with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, and co-writer of classic songs like "Boys Of Summer," "Refugee" and "The Heart Of The Matter."

Lita Ford

Lita FordSongwriter Interviews

Lita talks about how they wrote songs in The Runaways, and how she feels about her biggest hit being written by somebody else.

The End Of The Rock Era

The End Of The Rock EraSong Writing

There are no more rock stars - the last one died in 1994.

00s Music Quiz 1

00s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

Do you know the girl singer on Eminem's "Stan"? If so, this quiz is for you.

Lecrae

LecraeSongwriter Interviews

The Christian rapper talks about where his trip to Haiti and his history of addiction fit into his songs.