Mozart Colloredo Serenade & Divertimento - SCO & Alexander Janiczek - Guardian

Not even the most ardent Mozartian would claim either of these works as a masterpiece. However, in performances as refined as these, which are directed from the violin by Alexander Janiczek, they make a delightful, if rather lightweight, package. It's said Mozart composed the D major Serenade in Salzburg in 1774 to celebrate the name-day of Count von Colloredo, the prince-archbishop of the city. But it seems more likely that it was written for the end-of-year celebrations of the university's philosophy students. It's an elaborate structure, preceded by the march K237, with a three-movement violin concerto contained within a four-movement symphony and an extra minuet thrown in for good measure. The whole thing is beautifully played by Janiczek and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. They make an equally good job of the Divertimento K251, which is a more modest work with prominent instrumental solos, especially for the principal oboe, and ending with the statutory march.