SKU: P2.50014

The Serenade in B flat major, K. 361/370a by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is scored for thirteen instruments: twelve winds and string bass. The piece was probably composed in 1781 or 1782 and is often known by the subtitle Gran Partita. Originally, it consists of seven movements, this arrangement for saxophone choir is the first, third and seventh movements. The opening movement begins with a slow introduction in B flat major in which tutti syncopated rhythms are set in opposition to solo passages by the first alto and soprano saxes. This leads into the Allegro Moderato, which is a monothematic sonata form. The first theme of the exposition opens, originally presented in B flat major, later returns in F major in a modified form as the second theme. This theme continues to be explored in the development and returns in the recapitulation, this time in B flat major both times. The movement marked Adagio, is in E flat major. A syncopated pulse occurs almost throughout the movement while solo lines alternate between the solo instruments. The Rondo movement employs many tutti passages in unison, showcasing the rondo theme. The episodes between the returns of the theme feature a greater degree of interplay between the instruments.