Adagio in E major

Wolfgang Amadeus MozartK.261

ClassicalWell-knownE majorAdagio~6 min
H4
Henle (estimated)
RCM 7ABRSM 7

About this piece

Mozart's Adagio in E major (K.261) is a standalone movement, likely intended as an alternative for a concerto, characterized by its flowing melody and elegant harmonic language. It's a staple for developing a refined classical style.

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Teacher notes

Emphasize clear articulation, graceful phrasing, and precise ornamentation.

Technical focus

cantabilepedalingvoicingrubatoornamentation

Mood

lyricalcontemplativetenderelegant

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Free sheet music on IMSLP

Frequently asked questions

How hard is Adagio in E major (K.261) by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart?

Adagio in E major (K.261) is rated Henle level 4 of 9 — intermediate repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 5–6. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 7.

What level do I need to play Adagio in E major?

You should be comfortable at Henle level 4 — meaning you can already play level 3–4 pieces cleanly. Learning it one level early is possible as a stretch piece, but more than that usually leads to months of frustration.

How long is Adagio in E major?

A typical performance of Adagio in E major (K.261) lasts about 6 minutes.

Where can I get free sheet music for Adagio in E major?

Adagio in E major (K.261) is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.