MOZART: Divertimenti for String Quartet and Two Horns (K. 247, 287 & 334) - Stamic Quartet, Zdenek & Bedrich Tylsar (2 CDs)

The period in which the divertimenti for string quartet and winds originated was replete with revolutionary events for Mozart (the struggle of the twenty-year-old "child prodigy" to be accepted as a respected musician, the death of his mother, unreciprocated ardour).The divertimenti, however, as it were remained aloof from these life dramas, rather reflecting memories of the warm Italian sun on his recent travels. Italianate musical style and grace also had a big influence on Mozart's chamber instrumental works.

The Stamic Quartet combines within itself the strong tradition of the Czech quartet school and a long-term interest in the classicist repertoire. This ensemble's conjunction with the phenomenal horn-playing brothers Zdeněk and Bedřich Tylšar has resulted in a model recording of Mozart's divertimenti; a recording that (just like these compositions themselves) should serve primarily as a celebration of the joyous side of life.

Disk 1
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Divertimento for Strings and Two French Horns in F major, K. 247
1. Allegro 11:00
2. Andante grazioso 05:11
3. Menuetto 05:05
4. Adagio 09:00
5. Menuetto. Trio 04:04
6. Andante - Allegro assai 06:18
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Divertimento for Strings and Two French Horns in B flat major, K. 287 (271b)
7. Allegro 13:30
8. Thema mit sechs Variationen. Andante grazioso 09:24
9. Menuetto 04:26

Disk 2
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Divertimento for Strings and Two French Horns in B flat major, K. 287 (271B)
1. Adagio 13:17
2. Menuetto. Trio 04:54
3. Andante - Molto allegro 06:43
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Divertimento for Strings and Two French Horns in D major, K. 334 (320B)
4. Allegro 09:19
5. Thema mit sechs Variationen. Andante 11:09
6. Menuetto. Trio 05:13
7. Adagio 08:54
8. Menuetto 07:05
9. Rondo. Allegro 09:03