Born in Riga in 1947, Gidon Kremer is not only one of the leading
violinists in the world, but also - thanks to his unquenchable curiosity
and search for new impulses - one of the most fascinating musical
personalities of our time. His repertoire ranges from Bach to the present,
whereby a number of contemporary composers have achieved international
recognition through his commitment. Since 1997 Kremer has devoted a large
part of his activities to the chamber orchestra Kremerata Baltica, which he
founded. The ensemble consists of young musicians from the three Baltic
states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. The average age is 25. The debut
of the chamber orchestra in February 1997 corresponded with the 50th
birthday of its founder Gidon Kremer. With this orchestral project, Kremer
wants to pass on his artistic experiences to young musicians of his native
country and to draw international attention to the outstanding musical
situation of the Baltic nations. The Kremerata Baltica performs in all of
the world's major musical venues.
This little work was written by Mozart in Salzburg in January 1776. What
sets this work apart from other serenades is its scoring for two small
orchestras, which produces a deliberate echo effect. One can almost imagine
the courtly guests bantering amidst the two groups of players at the
opposite ends of a grand salon. Although the work begins with a march,
called "Marcia maestoso," it soon gives up all martial pretenses for
lightness and grace. The final Rondo is particularly spirited and frisky,
with episodes of a nature that must have made more than one guest stop in
mid conversation!
