Wind Chamber Music: Fiala - Divertimenti
Blomhert conducts the University of Cincinnati CCM Chamber Winds (top) and presents information on the Fiala works
Session Abstract
The fourteen Divertimenti by Joseph Fiala (1748-1816), that were published for the first time in 2006 in a modern edition, are mini-symphonies, each with four movements and a performing time of 8-10 minutes. They are well-written for wind instruments (Fiala was an oboe and English horn player and highly respected as such and as composer by Mozart) and do not display virtuosity or major technical difficulties. Therefore, these pieces are very fit to be performed by ensembles of younger players (16-18 years) as a preparation for the larger regular classical Harmoniemusik repertoire such as the Mozart Serenades or the Beethoven Octet. Some of the Divertimenti have two English horns, that however can be substituted by clarinets, which means, that four clarinets can be employed in a chamber music group at the same time. The session will include information for the conductors in the audience, how to tackle in general a classical piece and how articulations and dynamics in the 18th Century can or even should be interpreted.
©2007 WASBE and/or the contributing author/photographer