Description
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Gran Partita, KV 361, is one of the most remarkable works for wind ensemble ever composed. Written between 1781 and 1784, this serenade in B-flat major consists of seven movements and is scored for an unusually large ensemble of 13 instruments: 12 winds (pairs of oboes, clarinets, basset horns, bassoons, and horns) and a double bass. This expanded instrumentation allows for rich textures and an orchestral depth rarely found in wind music of the time. The Gran Partita is celebrated for its expressive range, blending elegance, playfulness, and profound emotion. The slow third movement, Adagio, is particularly famous for its hauntingly beautiful oboe and clarinet melodies, a moment immortalized in the film Amadeus as an example of Mozart's genius. The lively Menuettos, the intricate variations of the Tema con variazioni, and the brilliant Finale show his masterful handling of wind timbres. With this masterwork Mozart (1756-1791) elevated a genre traditionally associated with light entertainment into a work of profound artistry and innovation. Played by the Soloists of the Italian Orchestra of the Scala of Milan, in each note expressing their love for this iconic work.
