Mozart's Serenades KV 203 and KV 204 were composed while he was in the service of Archbishop Colloredo in Salzburg, from which he was later famously dismissed.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The 18-year-old Mozart used the serenade genre as a 'laboratory' for unusual musical ideas, creating a colorful kaleidoscope of playful, dance-like movements.
Historical Context
The term 'serenade' in the 18th century referred to evening music, often played outdoors and accessible to anyone, unlike formal concerts.
Compositional Technique
Mozart's Serenades KV 203 and KV 204 both feature sections that function as a 'built-in' violin concerto, showcasing virtuoso solo violin cadenzas.
Composition History
The Serenade KV 203 may have been a commission for Archbishop Colloredo's name day in 1774 or the finale for a university summer term concert in Salzburg.
Performer Biography
Tero Latvala, the violinist on this recording, has been the first leader of the Tapiola Sinfonietta since 1990 and has conducted many important violin works from the front desk.
Performer Biography
Jean-Jacques Kantorow, the conductor, is a French violinist of Russian extraction who won numerous international prizes, including the Carl Flesch and Paganini competitions.
You might also enjoy...
Mozart (A Homage) - 250 Year Celebration, Vol. 2 (Serenade and Divertimenti)
Mozart: Eine kleine Nachtmusik; Posthorn Serenade; Serenata Notturna
