Duets for Violin and Viola, Divertimento

Presented in this recording is an acknowledged masterpiece, The Divertimento KV 563 and the Duets for Violin & Viola KV 423 and 424, two jewels, smaller but equally precious, both for the quality of the writing and for the absolute rarity within Mozart’s catalog (apart from the twelve Duets for basset horn in Opus 411 and some transcriptions from Bach, there is in fact nothing else written by Mozart for two instruments, beyond the sonatas for instrument and keyboard, of course). In them, in contrast to the customs of the time, the weight of the two instruments is equal, so this is an almost equal dialogue in which the viola is given equal importance to the violin. Much has been written about the Divertimento: the lapidary and poetic judgment of Mila, who considers it: a smile of angels, purified of all earthly misery, is worth all.
The performance is entrusted to exceptional performers, belonging to the famous Quartetto della Scala in Milan and playing period instruments: a Gennaro Gagliano viola from1800 and a Giovanbattista Guadagnini violin from 1773.