As we know, Mozart wrote many perfectly well-formed pieces as a child, and handled all musical genres of his time, from sonatas to operas, with the greatest confidence. One might wonder, however, when he started composing true masterpieces. Experts are unanimous in their opinion that this change took place in the three divertimenti for string orchestra (or string quartet) written early in 1772, close to the composer”s sixteenth birthday. It was here that the sure hand of the professional was combined with the unique personality of the mature artist. Mozart had become able to do more than follow the rules: here he bends them to his own will, knows how to surprise the listener and goes his own way in every respect.

We shall hear the second and third divertimenti at tonight”s concert. In an unusual move, the B-flat major work opens with an Andante movement (in medium tempo), followed by the Allegro that usually stands in first place.

The divertimento genre (the Italian word means “entertainment”) required a certain lightness of touch. The sixteen-year-old Mozart, however, filled out a rather simple musical framework with boundless imagination, creating a special atmosphere by the sudden alternations of forte and piano sounds, by the special energy of the wide leaps, and by the masterful timing of momentary “dark spots” in minor keys.