Mozart's Divertimento for string trio in E flat major, K. 563, is unique in his output and exemplifies to the hilt his ability to infuse light, conventional forms with compact complexity. Its six-movement structure refers back to the occasional-music divertimento type of the middle 18th century, but the opening movement is dense, the Adagio is a profound statement from the last part of Mozart's life, and even the two minuets are rhythmically spiky pieces with a Haydn-like humor. The work provides much for performers to sink ...
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Mozart's Divertimento for string trio in E flat major, K. 563, is unique in his output and exemplifies to the hilt his ability to infuse light, conventional forms with compact complexity. Its six-movement structure refers back to the occasional-music divertimento type of the middle 18th century, but the opening movement is dense, the Adagio is a profound statement from the last part of Mozart's life, and even the two minuets are rhythmically spiky pieces with a Haydn-like humor. The work provides much for performers to sink their teeth into over its nearly 45-minute length, and this release by a trio of Norwegian and German musicians is one of the best, most absorbing versions available. They are not members of a named trio or quartet, and their playing lacks the machine-like precision that's sometimes possible with long-established groups, but if anything that's to the good here. It's worth remembering that Mozart's time had no touring string quartets, and these players convey a strong sense of...
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