It’s one of the most emblematic pieces of classical music ever: Mozart’s Serenade in G major (K. 525), widely known as ‘Eine kleine Nachtmusik’, performed by the Gewandhaus Quartet in the stunning surroundings of the Rammenau Baroque Castle in 2005.
(00:00) I. Allegro
(05:22) II. Romance (Andante)
(10:56) III. Menuetto (Allegretto)
(13:06) IV. Rondo (Allegro)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) composed this lively serenade in the summer of 1787, at the height of his success. While the piece was originally composed for two violins, a viola, a cello and a double bass – as is the configuration of this performance – it is nowadays more commonly performed as an orchestral arrangement.
Out of the many serenades, divertimenti and cassations Mozart wrote during his lifetime, ‘Eine kleine Nachtmusik’ is doubtlessly his most famous work of chamber music. During the late 18th century, such light entertainment ensemble pieces enjoyed immense success and were often performed during social occasions, particularly in outdoor locations such as gardens and parks.
The four-piece serenade opens with an allegro in sonata form, followed by a slower, lyrical second movement and a minuet, and finishes on an energetically joyful rondo. The melodic lightness and effortlessness typical for this genre of music is present throughout all four movements.
The Gewandhaus Quartet (also named Leipzig Gewandhaus Quartet) was founded in 1808 and is considered one of the first professional quartets in the world. It is composed of the soloists and concertmasters of the Gewandhaus Orchestra. Throughout the years, numerous premieres of quartets by renowned composers have been performed by the Gewandhaus Quartet.
Playing at this concert:
Frank-Michael Erben (1st violin)
Conrad Suske (2nd violin)
Volker Metz (viola)
Jürnjakob Timm (cello)
Steffen Adelmann (double bass)
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