German Dances, K. 605 (includes Sleigh Ride)

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) composed his GERMAN DANCES, K. 605 in February 1791, during his final year of life, for a court ball in Vienna at the request of Emperor Leopold II. These lively dances, written for orchestra, reflect the social function of music in Mozart's time while also revealing his wit and imagination—most famously in the third dance, often nicknamed the "Sleigh Ride," which features the jingling of bells and rustic horns to evoke a festive winter scene. Likely first performed at the imperial Hofburg Palace, the set captures the charm and elegance of Viennese dance culture at the end of the 18th century. Today, while less frequently encountered than Mozart's symphonies or concertos, the GERMAN DANCES, K. 605 remain delightful concert pieces, cherished for their spirited character, colorful orchestration, and the glimpse they offer into Mozart's lighter, more playful side in his final year. Instrumentation: 2(2nd dPicc).2.0.2: - 2+2PstHn.2.0.0: Timp.Perc(3): Str (4.4.0.3.3 in set). Reprint edition.