During his tragically short life, Wolfgang A. Mozart churned out some of the most fantastic classical music ever written. One type of instruments that he turned his creative abilities to were the woodwinds: pairs of oboes, bassett horns (or alto clarinets), bassoons and clarinets, four horns and contrabass. Up until Mozart's time, most woodwinds received supporting roles or brief solos, but very rarely was anything scored for this many woodwinds.

What we get is a rich, layered sound that is still light and airy. It's a daunting project and it was a success when first heard in Vienna in 1780. This is the longest piece that Mozart wrote for chamber music (as opposed to orchestral or concerto arrangements), and the impression is that there is a much larger number of musicians playing rather than just twelve woodwinds and a contrabass.

One trick that I've learned over the years is that if a recording has the name of Sir Charles Mackerras and Mozart combined, I know it will be an excellent recording. He is meticulous in his timing and leading, and brings forth a clarity and precision to Mozart that very few other conductors have ever matched. The end result of course, is that he's become very very famous for his interpretations of Mozart, and I cheerfully recommend this recording as the very best that you can find of this particular Serenade.

Sir Charles Mackerras, conductor
Orchestra of St. Luke's
Telarc - #80359

Serenade In B-Flat Major For 13 Winds, K.361/370a "Gran Partita"
1. Largo; Allegro molto
Starting off with a bit of pomp and with a little clarinet teasing it along into a more merry arrangment, it leads the serenade, hinting at themes and melodies to come later.

2. Menuetto; Trio I; Trio II
A little quicker here, the music hints at court dances and the careful, not quite touching of the dances of the time, namely the slow, careful minuet. The trio's here are of clarinet, bassoon and oboes, each one balancing out the other, and the second trio is repeated slightly later on.

3. Adagio
This is the most famous movement from this work. It's heard in the film Amadeus, at the concert that Mozart himself shows up for. It's mellow, the deeper, alto instruments starting off in a steady, rhythmic beat, then the composer embroiders upon it, sending it soaring and flying and still holding onto that melancholy longing. Gently the selection comes to a close, reflecting the opening bars.

4. Menuetto: Allegretto: Trio II; Trio II
Stately, and echoing the Menuetto of the second movement, it's more of a country dance than the court dance from early. But soon enough it takes on a very merry, almost a waltz theme to it, taking on a 3-4 measure. Sprinkled throughout there are little musical jumps and start that make you pause, but it all holds together through to the end of the movement.

5. Romanze: Adagio; Allegretto; Adagio
Now we're back to a slow, deep selection here. It's a little sad, and a bit emotional, but it's rather touching, evoking separation and more longing. Yep, you guessed it, see that "Romanze" up there in the subhead? It's suppose to make you feel a bit sad, and missing the object of your affections. Go on and wallow.

6. Thema mit Variationen
A bit bouncy and happy, this one gets everyone in the orchestra involved. The music takes on a bit of 'catch me if you can" with one instrument leading off, and the others joining in a bit later, with the highest first down to the deep bassoons. It's a fun selection to listen to.

7. Rondo: Allegro molto
Quick, and merry, this takes the earlier Thema and kicks it up a bit. I simply do not know how the musicians kept from keeling over in exhaustion from this piece, but they do manage to stay on time and make their marks. A smashing little finale to the entire serenade, and closes this up with a bang.


Recommended: Yes