Divertimento No. 7 in D, K. 205/167a

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's (1756-1791) divertimenti, along with the serenade, had a large place among the works he composed during his youth in Salzburg. Generally more relaxed multi-movement pieces, the divertimenti were flexible, both for outdoor and indoor performances, though they retained a chamber-like intimacy either way, and they were customarily written to celebrate a specific occasion or celebration. While we do not know for certain the occasion for which Mozart's DIVERTIMENTO No. 7 in D, K. 205/167a was written, it may have premiered on August 8, 1773 in Salzburg for a University Graduation. Where most divertimenti are introduced with a march, this one is unusual in that is begins with a Largo, an unusually serious approach for lighter music. Instrumentation: 0.0.0.1: 2.0.0.0: Str (4-4-3-3-3 in set).