This album was recorded at the Mendelssohn-Saal, Gewandhaus zu Leipzig, with recording sessions taking place in April 2016 for Mozart's work, and October 2017 and Spring 2004 for Salieri's works.
Historical Context
Harmoniemusik, a genre of music for mixed wind ensembles, developed around 1770 in southern Germany for open-air concerts and Tafelmusik.
Cultural Impact
Salieri's finely orchestrated score for La grotta di Trofonio inspired Mozart, with musical quotes from it appearing in Mozart's Der Schauspieldirektor, Don Giovanni, and The Magic Flute.
Compositional Technique
The standard Harmoniemusik ensemble, defined by Heinrich Christoph Koch as two oboes, two clarinets, two horns, and bassoons, was expanded by Mozart in his Serenade, K. 361.
Performer Biography
The armonia ensemble was founded in 2000 by members of the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, with 'armonia' referring to the genre of Harmoniemusik.
Composition History
Antonio Salieri's Armonia per un Tempio della Notte was originally conceived for a musical mechanism designed by Johann Nepomuk Mälzel, built into the ceiling of a 'Temple of the Night' in Peter von Braun's park.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Salieri's music for La grotta di Trofonio, an opera buffa, was described by the composer himself as 'of an unusual style,' tailored to its lively satirical libretto.
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