Elvira Madigan

Elvira Madigan is the informal moniker of Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major, K. 467. Mozart never actually named this concerto. The title comes from the 1967 Swedish film by the same name, based on the tragedy of the Danish tightrope dancer Hedvig Jensen. It appears as though this is not a unique occurrence, as many other of Mozart's works had their names coined by someone else. For instance, the Jupiter Symphony or Symphony No. 41 in C major, K. 551 was dubbed by the impresario Johann Peter Salomon.


The serenity of Mozart's symphony parallels the stoic mood of the film. Listening to the Andante, one can imagine rolling waves gently rocking a boat in a lake. This is, as a matter of fact, a scene in the movie. Considering the movie ends with a double suicide, the use of Mozart's work seems at times improper. Nevertheless, the themes of nature and tragedy suit Mozart better than other classical composers. After all, Mozart's life, as well as Elvira's, ended in tragedy.

One can only wonder if Mozart ever imagined his piano concerto would be forever associated to a circus performance. The genius was known for being a satirist, so who knows.

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