Serenade

With his music, Mozart created reference pieces for the generations following him. One of his successors was the Czech composer Antonin Dvořák, who played on in the spirit of Mozart, one hundred years after the maestro. The Oslo Chamber Academy brings two of the greatest composers of chamber music to the Oslo Opera House.

From Mozart’s Golden Age

Mozart can be considered the father of harmonic music, elevating tafelmusik and divertimento into musical art. This evening’s piece is Serenade Es-Dur KV 375, which is amusing and easily digestible.

It was written on the threshold of the period that would later be remembered as his Golden Age: the years following 1781 in Vienna. Mozart was new in the city and wanted to make contacts, and we learn from his own letters that he wrote the serenade to flatter the important artist Joseph Hickel by dedicating the piece to his daughter-in-law. It was performed by poor beggars at a garden party, captivating Hickel and his guests. It was Saint Theresa’s Day, 15 October 1781. 

A tribute to his role models

The Czech Antonin Dvořák wrote his Serenade for Wind Instruments to include direct references to Mozart. In the serenade’s slow movement, we clearly recognise the adagio in Mozart’s signature work Gran Partita. Not only was the work inspired by the classical models, but we can clearly hear signs of the use of folk music from Mähren and Dvořák’s own home town of Böhmen.

This is a rare opportunity to hear two of the most beautiful works in chamber music at the very same concert!

Antonin Dvořák Serenade in D minor, Op. 44
Moderato quasi marcia
Menuetto: Tempo di minuetto, Trio: Presto
Andante con moto
Finale: Allegro molto

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Serenade Es-Dur KV 375
Allegro maestoso
Menuetto
Adagio
Menuetto

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