Inspired by the release of Mozart's "Gran Partita", performed by a wind ensemble from La Scala in Milan, Brilliant Classics takes the excellent opportunity here to combine this brand new recording of the pinnacle of Mozart's wind chamber music with all the other music of this genre, already recorded for Brilliant in spring 2001 by the wind soloists of the Rotterdam Philharmonic. In this way, the leading players of two renowned orchestras breathe life into the wind music that played such a major role in the career of the Viennese genius.

Mozart's chamber music for winds comes from the genre of Harmoniemusik: light music that was fashionable in the second half of the 18th century and was named after the courtly wind ensemble made up of pairs of woodwinds and horns, known in German-speaking countries as Harmonie or Harmonieorchester. Its characteristic forms include serenades and divertimenti. This was music that could be performed outdoors (due to the projection power of the instruments) or at informal occasions such as meals (where it could be heard over lively conversation), with the musicians entertaining either themselves or an aristocratic dinner party, so-called table music. Mozart was therefore often called upon to write such works, either by friendly wind players (Freemasons) or by his employers to enrich courtly life.

Serenaden Nr. 10-12 (KV 361, 375, 388); Divertimenti KV 166, 186, 188, 213, 240, 252, 253, 270, 439, KV Anh. 226 & 227; Adagios KV 411 & 580a; Notturni KV 346, 436, 437, 438, 439, 549; 12 Duos für 2 Hörner KV 487