Mozart's Divertimento for string trio achieves a satisfying sonic texture through the equality and variety of roles, six movements, and constantly shifting couplings.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Mozart's joy in playing the viola and the musical dialogue with friends inspired him to write music for string trio, like the Divertimento.
Compositional Technique
The Divertimento in E-flat shares its key with Mozart's opera The Magic Flute, and Masonic ideals and symbolic numbers are evident throughout the piece.
Composition History
Mozart's Divertimento in E-flat major, K. 563, was written in 1788 and dedicated to Michael Puchberg, a fellow Mason and frequent financial supporter.
Recording & Production
This recording was made in September 2005 at Église Saint-Augustin near Mirabel, Quebec.
Instruments
Cellist Matt Haimovitz performs on a Venetian cello made in 1710 by Matteo Gofriller.
Historical Context
Mozart joined the Freemason brotherhood in 1784, having been exposed to Masonic philosophy since childhood, and his father Leopold followed in 1785.
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