Quatuors en sol majeur KV 285a et en ré majeur KV 285

There are numerous publications dealing with the history, the problems in editing and the significance of the quartets for flute and string trio as part of the whole work of Mozart. Among these, the New Edition of the Complete Works of Mozart impart excellent information; here, however, only a few remarks may suffice in connection with the present arrangement of the four quartets for flute and piano.

This edition makes it possible to get acquainted with the flute quartets of Mozart in a piano reduction, to study and play them the same way as is customary in the case of the flute concertos. Wherever it was possible without technically or visually overburdening the piano part, the part writing of the strings was clarified; however, it was of prime necessity to keep the piano part well playable.

While it is impossible to retain the attractive sound of the original instrumentation in a piano reduction (the slow movement of the quanet in D major'1' comes to mind), it is hoped that this arrangement will contribute to having these masterpieces enter the regulär teaching repertoire, instead of treating them in passing only, when the necessary strings are not available.