☰ Ostinato

Did Mozart intend this work to be a duo for two bass instruments, or as the simple basso-like manner of the second part suggests a sonata for bassoon and keyboard instrument? We will probably never know the answer because the autograph has gone missing. Our edition allows different instrumentation; it not only contains scores for the duo version but also one so it can be performed as a solo bassoon sonata, following the style of the time with a figured bass realization. And cellists who are not blessed with many works by Mozart will appreciate the version of this endearing work for cello and figured bass.