The purpose for which Mozart's first five piano sonatas (K. 279-83) were composed is not known; letters written to Mozart's mother in Salzburg make no mention of them. They were part of a set of six, and the sequence of keys of the set as a whole makes it likely that they were composed with publication in mind, doubtless aimed at the large amateur market for such works. The Sonata in F is the second of this group. In common with all Mozart's other piano sonatas it has three movements, each in this instance cast in sonata form. An Allegro assai is followed by a remarkably melancholy Adagio in F minor in lilting siciliano rhythm. The final Presto also makes use of a dance rhythm, in this instance the galliard.

© All Music Guide