Concerto for Piano No.18 in B-flat major (K.456) (Piano Reduction)

Mozart Concerto for Piano No.18 in B-flat major (K.456) (Piano Reduction)

As far as Mozart's piano concertos are concerned, 1784 was his most productive year: in an astonishingly short space of time he wrote the concertos K.449, 450,451 and 453 and then, after a pause of several months, the concertos K.456 and 459.  Especially during the period of Lent Mozart was assiduously playing the piano.  At least 23 concertos in a period of 46 days can still be traced - an awesome accomplishment considering that Mozart was also composing and teaching.

Based on a letter from Mozart's father, Leopold, there is speculation the concerto was written for the celebrated pianist Maria Theresia Paradis.  Whatever the reason for its composition it is a confident work with a supremely entertaining piano part.

- Urtext of the New Mozart Edition

- Full score, parts (BA5385), two-piano reduction (BA5385-90) available for sale