The famous Serenade from Miloš Forman’s film - NOSPR

Large wind instrument ensembles saw their triumphs in the 18th century. Pieces called serenades were often written for them and performed to make social gatherings and dinners more pleasant, usually around 9pm. Leopold Mozart, father of Wolfgang Amadeus, wrote more than 30 such serenades. However, it was his son who achieved mastery in their composition. Gran Partita is a work of massive proportions, full of charm, delightful instrumental combinations and lovely harmonies. In Peter Shaffer's play Amadeus (and Miloš Forman's film of the same title), Salieri first grasps the genius of Mozart by listening to this very piece as he feels the boundless longing with which it is filled. 

When writing his Serenade for wind instruments almost a century later, Antonín Dvořák was impressed by Mozart's work, which the Adagio directly referred to in the third movement. His work combines a 'retro' style with enchantingly beautiful melodies, references to Czech folk music and a touch of romantic passion. 

Adam Suprynowicz 

Concert duration: approximately 100 minutes