Description Divertimento in Eb, is a term frequently used in the 18th Century for an instrumental composition written primarily for entertainment and hence in a rather slight vein. Mozart wrote 37 compositions he called Divertimenti. Divertimento in Eb, K. Anh 226 (K.196e), is one of several he wrote for various combinations of winds. Many are called Serenades. This work was originally an octet for Oboes, Clarinets, Horns and Bassoons–in pairs. It first appeared in 1801 as the second set of 3 Pieces d’ Harmonic published by Breitkoph and Hartel. It was one of a number of works for wind band found in Prague by Mozart’s first biographer Niemetschek. Albert Einstein identified it as one of the works written for the Munich Carnival in 1775. This work was written for and premiered by the Pacific Brass Ensemble. This arrangement for 14 brass expands the lower range and employs some limited doubling–but otherwise remains true to the harmonies and style of the original. It should be played with some refinement.
