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Masterclass: Mozart Violin Sonata no.32 in B flat major, first movement

2026-07-10T08:53:00

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In a movement that evokes all the delightful quirks of a Mozart opera, it’s important to maintain a dialogue between violin and piano, says violinist Arnaud Sussmann

This work is often colloquially referred to as ‘the big B flat sonata’, and is frequently cited as one of the most beloved of Mozart’s violin sonatas. The composer wrote more than 30 violin sonatas, and this one stands out for its unusually equal partnership between the violin and piano. Rather than the violin simply accompanying or decorating the keyboard line, the two instruments share a musical dialogue in a balanced and conversational manner. The form of this first movement is similarly unique. It begins with a slow introduction before moving into the Allegro – a structural feature that appears in very few of Mozart’s violin sonatas…

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