Word: divertimenti
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...Stravinsky Octet is scored for flute, clarinet, bassoons, trumpets and trombone. In its exploration of the sonorous possibilities of an unusual chamber group, its purpose is similar to that of Bach Brandenburg Concerti and of various Mozart Serendates and Divertimenti. Its importance in modern music, however, lies in being one of the first works in the "neo-classic" style. Hearing the Octet today in light of all that has followed it in the past 30 years, its dry metrically incisive, often mocking tone seems no longer revolutionary. Yet it still remains a fresh, thoroughly delightful work...
Mozart's tuneful Clarinet Quintet opened the program. In his divertimenti, symphonies, and particularly in this quintet, one is well aware of Mozart's skill in exploiting the distinctive tone of the woodwinds. The clarinet's warm timbre is well suited to this warm music. Clarinetist Aaron Johnson, '49, turned in a fine performance. His intonation was consistently good, and he was not at all bothered by the many big skips, including the double octaves. The rest of the ensemble, violinists Barbara Sorenson and Earl Ravenal, violist Vernon Head, and cellist Joan Brockway provided an unobtrusive accompaniment. Their tone, although...