Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) was one of the greatest Austrian composers in the history of Western music. (Sadie, 2020)

In the 18^th century it was common practice to hear excerpts from famous operas and ballets. Harmoniemusik is a wind ensemble without percussion. A major characteristic is that the main instruments were used in pairs. This particular piece is an arrangement of the major themes from Mozart`s opera called The Marriage of Figaro. This transcription has its own texture and flavour that is different than the original. It offers a representation of the bright, varied, virtuosic, melodious, and grand music of the opera reflected through a wind ensemble. The wind instruments also perfectly portrayed the emotionally charged human voice, just as Mozart imagined in his opera. This is an example how popular operatic pieces were taken out of the opera house and played to a new audience.

Reference:

Sadie, S., 2020. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Biography, Facts, & Works. [online] Encyclopedia Britannica. Available at: <https://www.britannica.com/biography/Wolfgang-Amadeus-Mozart&gt; [Accessed 7 March 2020]

n.d. Mozart Harmoniemusik From ‘The Marriage Of Figaro” (1/2) Zefiro Ensemble. Available at: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USJslsQhS-c&gt; [Accessed 7 March 2020]