Search - Mozart :: The Complete Mozart Divertimentos: Historic First Recorded Edition: CD 5

This fifth of six CDs containing the complete set of Mozart Divertimentos, the only recording ever made of this repertoire, contains Divertimentos Nos. 14, 12, and 10. This program showcases the "mature" Mozart writing for six woodwinds, and ending with the second of five great string and two horn works, including a profoundly beautiful Adagio. The ensemble is led by violinist Felix Galimir; liner notes by famed scholar and pianist Robert Levin. Also available as part of a six-CD boxed set containing the entire Divertimento collection. Divertimento No. 14: The fifth work of the wind sextet series has the most developed first movement. It is fuller in its proportions, more symphonic in concept, and the timbral changes create contrasts that justify the ampler musical ideas. Instead of a series of simple tunes with straightforward accompaniment, Mozart uses subtleties of rhythm and harmony to more dynamic purpose. Divertimento No. 12: The third of the Tafelmusiken is formally the most adventurous work in the series. Mozart begins with a slow movement in 6/8, in miniaturized sonata form, proceeds to the minuet, then interpolates a second dance?a polonaise?to make up for the missing first allegro. Only the last movement, Presto assai, fits the normal mold. (Its coda elicits a rare solo appearance by the two horns.) According to Zaslaw, it may be based upon the folk tune "Die Katze lässt das Mausen nicht" ("The cat doesn?t give up catching mice"). Divertimento No. 10: K. 247 is one of the treasures of the series. It exemplifies all of Mozart?s gifts: energy and lyricism, humor and expressive warmth, balanced and contrasted within and between movements. © 2002 Robert Levin