Mozart: Divertimento, K.563—Erato Originals

Read About This Recording

By the ripe old age of 33, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart had composed a veritable library of hits. That he was a master of his craft is utterly undeniable. Surely these tracks can be found in most any music collection, whether as part of an all-Mozart program or on a compilation of essential classics. What, then, could possibly be left to discover in this beloved and quite recognizable music?

For starters, the Erato record label was founded in 1953 to promote French classical music. And, though Mozart was certainly not French, the musicians featured here are. While the music itself may be instantly familiar, the interpretations are refreshingly new and the artists themselves more than merit discovery outside their homelands.

On this recording, Le Trio Pasquier, about whom little information exists, performs Mozart's Divertimention in E-flat, K.563. This work is not a true divertimento in the strictest sense, but more of a hybrid composition that places great demands on its players. The composer was fond of playing the viola and, with a certain lack of modesty about his abilities, it would seem that he refused to write himself a dull part in this divertimento. And so, all three performers share a fairly equal burden in this music — and the members of Le Trio Pasquier more than live up to the task at hand.

This collection has been digitally remastered from the original Erato recordings, breathing new life into these otherwise fairly obscure performances. A worthy discovery for any music library.

—Elaine Sutcliffe

Contents

Divertimento in E-flat Major for String Trio, K.563.

Le Trio Pasquier: Jean Pasquier, Violin; Pierre Pasquier, Viola; Etienne Pasquier, Cello.