Serenades & Divertimenti for Wind Instruments (Rec 2001)

"This third volume in the Brilliant Classics complete Mozart edition includes the many serenades and divertimenti that Mozart wrote for wind instruments. In Mozart's time, there was a need for music that could be played outdoors, that would carry well in open air. Works for wind instruments were written for this context, and, as can be seen here, Mozart composed a great deal of music for this idiom.

Some of these works are relatively well-known, such as the 'Gran Partita' Serenade, and are among Mozart's finest works. This performance of the Gran Partita is subtle and energetic, with the ensemble, The Chamber Orchestra of Europe, coming through with excellent texture and a delicious sound. The playful melodies and intricate harmonies are all well-balanced.

Mozart wrote six divertimenti for 2 clarinets (actually for basset-horns, a variety of clarinet) and bassoon, which are delightful pieces in five movements that show a wide range of harmonies among the instruments. These attractive works have an interesting sound. Stylistically similar to string trios, they use the specific tones and sounds of these wind instruments to create a very beautiful atmosphere. While not among Mozart's finest works, and melodically somewhat "predictable", these "little" pieces are truly enjoyable, and one can hear the pleasure the musicians have in performing them.

The Serenades KV 375 and 388 were composed in 1781 and 1782, and are scored for two oboes, two clarinets, two horns and two bassoons. Somewhat darker works than the divertimenti, they are also much more complex melodically. The movements are longer, with the Allegro of the second serenade being almost 9 minutes long. Yet there is still an energetic, joyous menuetto in the first serenade, which is as delightful as any of Mozart's string quartet menuets. Once again, the performances are fine, with excellent sound and texture among the instruments.

Discs 4 and 5 contain a variety of divertimenti for wind instruments. These works are all enjoyable, yet do not reach any melodic summits. Again, they are a bit predictable, providing enjoyment without being exceptional. The disc with notturni, adagios and horn duos contains a few interesting works, including the Divertimento in C major KV 188, for 5 trumpets & 4 timpani, which is a brief work in the form of fanfare with drums. But the duos for two horns are a bit annoying; they sound like the hunting horns heard in European cities from time to time to celebrate something, and are not very musical.

The Serenade Gran Partita stands out as the real masterpiece in this set. Many of the other works are agreeable, even delightful, such as the divertimenti for 2 clarinets and bassoon. But the sound of these works tends to be a bit too similar from one disc to another. One should not listen to all of these works in sequence, but the attractive sound of the wind ensembles who recorded these works is certainly a nice change from the usual string orchestra.

This is another set which, for its price, is truly a bargain. While not all of the works are truly interesting, the performances are excellent. Those buying the complete set will not be disappointed, but others who are not really aficionados of this music may find it a bit tedious after a while."
(MusicWeb Jan 2002)