LES DÉLICES

Moonlit Mozart

Despite their rarity today, wind octets, also known as Harmoniemusik, were a relatively common ensemble in central Europe in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. More nimble than a full orchestra, these ensembles performed nocturnes
and serenades, dance music, or even operatic or symphonic reductions. An ensemble of eight woodwinds could cover most, if not all, bases. Soaring melodies were often split between first oboe and first clarinet, while inner parts were covered by other winds and horns. Bassoons would alternate between tenor solos and bustling bass lines, and a double bass often provided reinforcement on the low end.
The music of Mozart can be revelatory, particularly when combined with the signature transparency and rhythmic verve of period instruments. Artistic Director Debra Nagy has assembled North America’s finest period-instrument woodwind
players for this all-Mozart program including selections from The Magic Flute and Don Giovanni, plus Mozart’s transcendent Serenade in C minor “Nachtmusik” (K388) for pairs of oboes, clarinets, bassoons, and natural horns.