Mozart Horn Concerto No. 4 in E-flat Major, K.495 (Complete)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791)
Download free printable Mozart Horn Concerto No.4 in Eb Major K.495 score PDF. Featuring Rondo hunting horn theme, technical breakdowns, and modern F transposition.
Audition & Examination Criteria
Required by virtually every professional orchestra globally. The audition panel evaluates classical elegance, bounce on the 6/8 hunting motif, intonation during wide arpeggios, and expressive cantabile in the slow Romanza.
- Light, bouncy hunting pulse in the 6/8 Rondo without heavy footfalls
- Seamless legato in the first movement arpeggios, avoiding valve noise
- Noble cantabile air projection in the second movement Romanza
- Mental transposition for Horn in Eb (sound a Major 2nd lower on modern F horn)
Mozart Horn Concerto No. 4 in E-flat Major, K.495 (Complete) · Acoustic Profile & Audition Prescriptions
| Parameter | Specification | Prescription & Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Original Crook | Horn in E♭ (B♭2 to B♭5 (written pitch)) | Required by virtually every professional orchestra globally. The audition panel evaluates classical elegance, bounce on the 6/8 hunting motif, intonation during wide arpeggios, and expressive cantabile in the slow Romanza. |
| Key & Tempo | E-flat Major · 4/4 & 6/8 (Allegro moderato / Rondo: Allegro vivace) | Light, bouncy hunting pulse in the 6/8 Rondo without heavy footfalls |
| Stage 1 | 6/8 Hunting Horn Rhythmic Skeleton Tapping (G4 / C5 / E5) | Practice the Rondo hunting theme slowly at ♩. = 80. Before buzzing, chant with the tongue "da-ba-da da-ba-da" to internalize the natural two-beat lilt of each measure. |
| Stage 2 | Arpeggiated Octave Leaps Just Intonation Tuning (E♭4 / B♭4) | Use HornLib Just Intonation Drone tuned to Concert Eb. Calibrate the natural 5th overtone major third (-14 cents) and perfect fifth against the drone. |
Practice Steps & Fingering Tactics
6/8 Hunting Horn Rhythmic Skeleton Tapping
G4 / C5 / E5Practice the Rondo hunting theme slowly at ♩. = 80. Before buzzing, chant with the tongue "da-ba-da da-ba-da" to internalize the natural two-beat lilt of each measure.
Arpeggiated Octave Leaps Just Intonation Tuning
E♭4 / B♭4Use HornLib Just Intonation Drone tuned to Concert Eb. Calibrate the natural 5th overtone major third (-14 cents) and perfect fifth against the drone.
Cadenza Tempo Rubato & Breath Spacing
B♭5 (Peak Note)Showcase your personal artistic phrasing. Take ample deep breaths before high climaxes, avoiding rushing under audition nerves.
Origins & Performance Practice
Composed in Vienna in 1786 for Mozart’s lifelong friend and horn virtuoso Joseph Leutgeb, K.495 is the crowning jewel of Mozart’s horn concertos. Famous for its colorful multispectral ink manuscript, the work represents the pinnacle of classical natural horn technique, with its iconic hunting-style Rondo standing as the single most famous piece ever written for the instrument.
Expert Piece FAQs
How was this concerto played in Mozart’s time without valves?
It was composed for the hand-horn (Inventionshorn). The hornist adjusted pitch by shifting the right hand deep into the bell (hand-stopping). Modern players use rotary valves, but should retain the light, nuanced phrasing of the natural horn.
What is the optimal tempo for the Rondo 3rd movement?
Usually between dotted-quarter = 112–120. Clear articulation and steady inner pulse are far more prized by audition committees than reckless speed.
Solo Part Sheet Music (PDF)
Authoritative orchestra edition with modern Horn in F markings