CDLII. MOZART, Wolfgang Amadeus: Divertimento in B-Flat Major, K. 137

CDLII. MOZART, Wolfgang Amadeus (1756-1791)

Divertimento in B-Flat Major, K. 137 (1772)
1. Andante
2. Allegro di molto
3. Allegro assai
New York Classical Players
Dongmin Kim, cond.
(11:20)

Possibly initial sketches designed for a symphony, Mozart eventually left them as they were -- a string quartet, perhaps -- but ultimately classified as a divertimento, here performed by a string orchestra.

The 16-year-old Mozart put the slow movement first, followed by two energetic allegros. The music is soaked in clever harmonic variety, despite all being in the tonic key -- he frequently pulls off delightful modulations to the dominant.

This is not often performed. The New York players do a fine job.

**