Description
In 1771, during a highly successful tour of Italy, Mozart was commissioned to compose a dramatic serenata for the wedding of Archduke Ferdinand. This work eclipsed Hasse's new opera, which was also intended for the same event, leading Hasse to reportedly remark, "This boy will cause us all to be forgotten." That same year, Mozart created his first divertimento (K.113), marking the beginning of a prolific output of twenty-three such pieces throughout his life, all while he was still under the age of 16.
The collection presented here includes seventeen works, ranging from K.113 to K.334, composed between 1771 and 1779. These brief, lively, and brilliant compositions were designed for a typical ensemble of 6 to 14 musicians, featuring strings, clarinet, bassoon, oboe, horns, flute, trumpets, and drums. They have been reproduced from the authoritative Breitkopf & Härtel Complete Works Edition.
These seventeen divertimenti are frequently recorded and performed, gaining popularity among music aficionados and serving as essential works for Mozart enthusiasts. The music has been printed in a size conducive to easy reading, featuring large noteheads, ample margins, and pages designed to lie flat and remain intact. This edition is suitable for a variety of purposes, whether as a study resource, a reference guide, or a companion for enhanced listening experiences.
