In 1771, in the midst of a successful tour of Italy, Mozart received a commission to write a dramatic serenata for the marriage of the Archduke Ferdinand. This serenata so overshadowed Hasse's new opera, which was composed for the same occasion, that Hasse is reported to have said the prophetic words: "This boy will cause us all to be forgotten." In the same year Mozart composed his first divertimento (K.113), the first of some twenty-three that he composed during his lifetime. He was not yet 16 years old.
The seventeen works in this edition range from K.113 to K.334 and span the years 1771 to 1779. These short, sparkling, brilliant pieces were created for a typical ensemble of 6 to 14 players for strings, clarinet, bassoon, oboe, horns, flute, trumpets, and drums. They have been reproduced from the definitive Breitkopf & Härtel Complete Works Edition. They include No. 1 in E-flat Major, K.113; No. 2 in D Major, K.131; No. 3 in E-flat Major, K.166; No. 4 in B-flat Major, K.186; No. 5 in C Major, K.187; No. 6 in C Major, K.188; No. 7 in D Major, K.205; No. 8 in F Major, K.213; No. 9 in B-flat Major, K.240; No. 10 in F Major, K.247; No. 11 in D Major, K.251; No. 12 in E-flat Major, K.252; No. 13 in F Major, K.253; No. 14 in B-flat Major, K.270; No. 15 in B-flat Major, K.287; No. 16 in E-flat Major, K.289; and No. 17 in D Major, K.334.
Often recorded and performed, the 17 divertimenti are increasingly popular with music lovers and essential for Mozart enthusiasts. All the music has been reproduced in a size large enough to be read easily, with large noteheads, wide margins, and pages that lie flat and will not fall out. This edition is practical for almost any use, whether as a study guide, a reference, or a companion for more knowledgeable and enjoyable listening.
