Mozart, W.A. - Divertimento No. 5, K. 229 (Violin, Viola and Cello)Originally composed between 1783 and 1785 for three basset horns (or woodwind trio), this Divertimento consists of five short, elegant movements: Adagio, Menuetto & Trio, Adagio, Romance (Andante), and Polonaise. Because it was written for identical or closely related wind instruments, the arrangement for a standard string trio results in an incredibly balanced, democratic texture where the melodic interest is distributed beautifully among all three

utilizing the transparent textures typical of Mozart's early Salzburg chamber style

especially when the viola or cello takes over the lyric melodic lines in their higher registers

unhurried cadences

Expressive Lyricism and Contrast: The tranquil middle section provides a stark contrast to the opening fireworks

Pedagogical focus: Teaches ensemble players how to maintain an absolutely steady

Technical Focus: * Articulation: Opportunities to practice crisp

it requires a high degree of independent part-playing

Technical Focus: * Promotes precise rhythmic precision and pulse keeping

and a varied vibrato to express the more intimate

and uniform hooked bowings across the entire quartet

The shared material between the two violins and the supportive yet melodic role of the viola demand keen listening

string quartet or string ensemble arrangements require close listening