The Duos for violin & viola, K. 423/K. 424 are unique in
Mozart's output in that they were written not for his own his own personal satisfaction of financial gain, but to help out a friend. Michael Haydn had been commissioned to write a set of six such works by Archbishop Colloredo, but was finding himself unable to meet his deadline. Both charming works, they are also important for
Mozart's use of the viola. While the violin is clearly the dominant instrument in these duos,
Mozart's beloved viola is far from a mere accompanimental addition. Performing these playful, lighthearted works are violinist
Stéphanie-Marie Degand and violist
Pierre Franck. Both musicians play well in tune and produce a light, crisp tone, appropriate for
Mozart. The interplay between the two parts is cohesive, though the viola part seems to be pushed to the background too often. Ligia Digital's sound is somewhat problematic; it is extremely dry and lacking in depth, balance, and warmth. In addition to the two
Mozart duos, a third duo (which on the album's cover seems to be deceptively attributed to
Mozart) was written several years after the composer's death by an unknown author. The duo is in the same spirit as the two original
Mozart duos and is even based on
Mozart's themes but does not possess the same free-flowing effervescence.