Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Works: Serenades and Divertimenti for Wind Instruments, including Divertimenti KV 439b Nos 1-6, Serenade KV 375, Serenade KV 388, Divertimenti KV 166, KV 186, KV Anhang 226, KV Anhang 227, and others.
Performers: Henk de Graaf (clarinet), Jan Jansen (clarinet), Johan Steinmann (bassoon), and various wind musicians from The Chamber Orchestra of Europe.
Recording: Spring 2001, Hervormde Kerk Rhoon; Producer & Engineer: Arts Music Recording Rotterdam; Artistic Supervisor: Henk de Graaf.
Label: Brilliant Classics
Mozart’s output for wind instruments stands as a significant testament to his adaptability and understanding of diverse musical contexts. The works collected in this volume, including the Serenades and Divertimenti, were primarily composed for outdoor performance, reflecting the social milieu of late 18th-century Vienna where such music served to enliven gatherings and celebrations. This collection not only showcases Mozart’s ingenuity but also highlights the unique timbral qualities of wind instruments, a hallmark of his compositional style.
The performances captured here are marked by a commendable blend of subtlety and energy, particularly under the artistic direction of Henk de Graaf. The Divertimenti KV 439b, written for two clarinets and bassoon, reveal Mozart’s nuanced understanding of instrumental color. Each of the five movements in these pieces allows the clarinets and bassoon to engage in playful dialogues, often reminiscent of the conversational quality found in his string quartets. The musicians execute these dialogues with a delightful buoyancy, yet at times one might yearn for a broader emotional range, as the melodies can veer towards predictability. The clarity and separation of voices are particularly notable in the Menuetto movements, where the dynamic interplay is effectively highlighted.
The Serenades KV 375 and KV 388 exhibit a marked contrast in complexity and emotional depth. The first, with its lively Allegro maestoso, is characterized by a jubilant effervescence that is expertly conveyed by the ensemble. The longer forms and intricate counterpoint of the second Serenade, particularly in the expansive Allegro, provide a rich tapestry of sound that speaks to Mozart’s maturity as a composer. The musicians negotiate the intricate passages with precision, allowing the melodic lines to shine while maintaining a cohesive ensemble sound. The recording captures this effectively, presenting a vibrant acoustic environment that breathes life into the music.
Technical aspects of this recording merit particular praise. The engineering balances the individual instruments beautifully, ensuring that the rich textures of the wind ensemble are not lost in the mix. One can distinctly appreciate the distinct sonic qualities of the basset-horn-like clarinets, which impart a warm, rounded tone that complements the bassoon’s sonorous depth. Throughout the recordings, the articulation is crisp, and the phrasing is consistently well thought out, allowing Mozart’s playful motifs to emerge with clarity.
While the collection includes several divertimenti that fall into the category of charming but less memorable works, such as those for five trumpets and timpani, it is the Serenade Gran Partita that truly stands out as the high point of this set. Its profound emotional breadth and structural sophistication set it apart from the more straightforward divertimenti. The performers deftly navigate its complexities, particularly in the exquisite Romanze, where the lush harmonies evoke a palpable sense of longing.
This expansive box set, spanning a broad repertoire of Mozart’s wind compositions, offers a delightful exploration of a less frequently performed facet of his oeuvre. The performances are engaging and the sound quality is excellent, making it an appealing addition for both enthusiasts and those seeking to deepen their understanding of Mozart’s versatility. While not every work reaches the heights of his most celebrated compositions, the overall execution and presentation render this collection a valuable resource for appreciating the charm and wit of Mozart’s wind music. The recording serves as a fine introduction to these works, ensuring that listeners will find much to enjoy within its pages.
