Mozart's Serenade No. 10 K. 361 is shrouded in mystery: the date, place and occasion of its composition are uncertain, as is the identity of the person who gave it the nickname "Gran Partita". Recent research dates it to Mozart's early Viennese period around 1783/84.

The seven-movement work belongs to the genre of Harmoniemusik: light music that was popular in the second half of the 18th century and was named after the courtly wind ensemble of woodwinds and horns, known in German-speaking countries as Harmonie or Harmonieorchester.

The genre comprised several characteristic forms - the serenades, the divertimenti and the cassations - which could be performed outdoors due to the sound effect of the instruments and contained numerous movements such as the older dance suites or partitas instead of the usual four movements of a symphony. The Serenade No. 10, however, is a special case: The instrumentation is enriched by a pair of alto clarinets (basset horns), the number of horns doubles to two in F and two in low Bb, and, unusually, the bassoons are joined by a double bass, creating a more 'symphonic' character.

The third movement of the work, an Adagio, is one of Mozart's recognized masterpieces. It is known for its use in an unforgettable scene in the film Amadeus, in which the elderly Antonio Salieri, quoting the beginning of the Adagio, believes he recognizes "the voice of God" in the oboe and clarinet entries.

Further information:
- Recorded in December 2023 in Bernareggio, Italy
- The bilingual booklet (English and Italian) contains liner notes by Ugo Nastrucci

- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Gran Partita K. 361 is one of the most remarkable works for wind ensemble of all time. Composed between 1781 and 1784, this serenade in B flat major consists of seven movements and is scored for an unusually large ensemble of 13 instruments: twelve wind instruments (oboes, clarinets, basset horns, bassoons and horns) and a double bass. This extended instrumentation allows for rich textures and an orchestral depth that was rarely found in wind music of the time.

- The Gran Partita is celebrated for its expressive range, combining elegance, playfulness and deep emotion. The slow third movement, Adagio, is particularly famous for its hauntingly beautiful oboe and clarinet melodies - a moment immortalized in the film Amadeus as an example of Mozart's genius. The lively minuetos, the complex variations of the Tema con variazioni and the brilliant finale demonstrate his masterful use of wind timbres. With this masterpiece, Mozart elevated a genre traditionally associated with light entertainment to a work of profound artistry and innovation.

- Performed by the soloists of the La Scala Italian Orchestra, who express their love for this iconic work with every note.