Mozart's Divertimento in Eb Major, K. 563 is the only full-length string trio he ever composed. And full-length it certainly is — six movements long and clocking in at around 45 minutes — making it the second longest chamber work Mozart ever wrote, and a giant among string trios composed to this day. “Divertimento” is a genre typically associated with lighthearted, rather informal compositions meant purely for entertainment, and K. 563 stretches that definition in both its scope and profundity. This piece was composed in 1787−1788, a period during which Mozart was facing financial struggles. After repeated, increasingly desperate appeals to his friend Michael Puchberg, a textile merchant, to help him out by sending him money, Puchberg responded by giving Mozart a sizable loan. It is believed that Mozart wrote this piece in dedication to Puchberg in return for this gesture. This work takes advantage of all three voices' capacity for soloistic playing, featuring each of the three instruments in virtuosic roles as well as supporting ones. The result is an intricate conversation among three true equals.

Joseph Lorang

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Mar 21, 2024

Midtown Concerts presents Members of the Passeri Quartet · Gotham Early Music Scene

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