Mozart: Colloredo Serenade, K. 203 & Divertimento, K. 251

Featuring

Alexander Janiczek
Scottish Chamber Orchestra
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

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Composition History

The Divertimento, K. 251, includes an accompanying march titled 'Marcia alla francese,' which likely refers to its rhythmic basis of five beats followed by three silent ones, mimicking a French infantry drumbeat.

Composition History

The 'Colloredo' Serenade, K. 203, would have received two informal, open-air performances on the evening it was played: one at the Archbishop's summer residence and another at the Universitätsplatz.

Compositional Technique

The 'Colloredo' Serenade, K. 203, includes an interpolated violin concerto within its structure, with movements in a key remote from the D major home key.

Compositional Technique

In the 'Colloredo' Serenade, K. 203, Mozart uses an unusual horn arrangement, pitching the first and second horns in different keys (D major and G major) in one 'Andante' movement.

Composer Biography

The years 1773-1777 were a stable period for Mozart, during which he remained in Salzburg, fulfilling his duties as Konzertmeister and composing for church, court, and patrons.

Composition History

Mozart's 'Colloredo' Serenade, K. 203, was likely composed as 'Finalmusik' for the University philosophy students' end-of-year celebrations in Salzburg.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Mozart was aware of stylistic differences between genres; for serenades, the emphasis was on a bright, entertaining style with contrast and color, not demanding concentrated attention.