Divertimento in E-flat, K 166

From Wind Repertory Project
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Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart


General Info

Year: 1773 / 1981
Duration: c. 11:00
Difficulty: (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Musica Rara
Cost: Score and Parts - $21.95


Movements

1. Allegro – 3:20
2. Menuetto - Trio – 2:50
3. Andante grazioso – 2:40
4. Adagio-Allegro – 2:20


Instrumentation

Full Score
Oboe I-II
English Horn I-II
Bassoon I-II
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II
Horn in F I-II


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

K. 166 continues in the same vein as its sister piece (K. 186), with the same instrumentation, but the dimensions of the first movements are quite different. With K. 166, we see a closer approximation of sonata form in Mozart's wind music. While the overall form is binary, the appearance of theme groups common to the sonata form cannot be overlooked. These theme groups are constructed in typical Mozart fashion. The primary theme group is often more arpeggiated as opposed to the secondary theme, which is of a more lyrical quality. Certain motifs begin to appear, such as descending chromatic figures. Sure motifs occur frequently throughout his wind music. Mozart's predilection towards pedals as a static quality during transitions is also a recurring feature in his music. Other features of Mozart's wind music such as arpeggiated accompaniment figures are also established. Diminished chords also become an important element in Mozart's music. Their use in the transition sections helps to increase the harmonic tension before they are resolved, leading into a secondary theme.

While the theme groups common to sonata form are present, the lack of any development section argues in favor of a simple binary form as opposed to a sonata form. Even though sonata features are employed in K. 186 and 166, the simplicity of a dance form is retained. It appears that Mozart might be testing the waters of how these simple dances can be heightened dramatically and proportionally to become a more serous musical structure.

- Program Note by Brian Alber


Media


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • New England Conservatory (Boston, MA.) Wind Ensemble (Mary Schneider, conductor) - 15 February 2024
  • University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) Symphony Band (Michael Haithcock, conductor) – 3 February 2023
  • University of Wisconsin-Madison Wind Ensemble (Scott Teeple, conductor) – 3 November 2019
  • University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) Symphony Band (Joshua Roach, conductor) – 5 February 2016
  • University of Southern California Thornton Wind Ensemble (H. Robert Reynolds, conductor) - 29 September 2013
  • Zefiro - 2013


Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources

  • Mozart, W. (1981). Divertimento in E flat (K 166) for 2 oboes, 2 cor Anglais, 2 clarinets, 2 horns and 2 bassoons [score]. Musica Rara: Monteux, France.