Life of Mozart

24 MOZART S INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC.Another branch of concerted music high in favour inMozart's day was the so-called " Harmoniemusik," writtenexclusively for wind instruments, and for performance attable or as serenades. Families of rank frequently retainedthe services of a band for " Harmoniemusik " instead of acomplete orchestra.^^ The Emperor Joseph selected eightdistinguished virtuosi^^ for the Imperial " Harmonie," whoplayed during meals, especially when these took place inthe imperial pleasure-gardens. The performances includedoperatic arrangements as well aspieces composed expresslyfor this object.^*^ Reichardt dwells on the enjoyment affordedhim in 1783 by the Harmoniemusik of the Emperor andthe Archduke Maximilian. "Tone, delivery, everything waspure and harmonious ; some movements by Mozart werelovely ;but unluckily nothing of Haydn's was performed." ^-^First-class taverns supported their own "Harmonie " bands, inorder that the guests might not be deprived of this favouriteaccompaniment to their meals.^^Besides the great serenades, intended for public performance,the old custom was still practised of writing" Ständchen, "^^ for performance under the window of theperson who was to be thus celebrated ; and the generaldesire that such pieces should be new and original providedcomposers with almost constant employment on them.^Wind instruments were most in vogue for this " nightmusic."The instruments were usually limited to six—twoclarinets, two horns, and two bassoons, strengthened some-28 Prince Grassalcovicz reduced his full band to a "Harmoniemusik" (Jahrb.d. Tonk., 1796, p. 77).29Trübensee and Wendt as oboists, the brothers Stadler as clarinetists, Ruband Eisen hornists, Kautzner and Drüben bassoonists (Cramer, Magaz. Mus.,I., p. 1400. Musik. Korresp., 1790, p. 31).30Mozart arranged the " Entführung" for wind instruments (Vol. II., p. 210).81 A. M. Z., XV., p. 668 (Schletterer, Reichardt, L, p. 327).32Mozart praised Albert's good " Harmoniemusik" to his father from Munich(October 3, 1777). A special wind band was engaged for the table music atthe Augarten (Jahrb. d. Tonk., 1796, p. 78).33 Nicolai speaks highly of the " Harmoniemusik," which was performed everyevening before the main guard at the court (Reise, IV., p. 558).3* Carpani, Le Haydine, p. 81. Gyrowetz, Biogr., p. 5.