Compagnie Masquerade

Schwertsik's divertissement for small orchestra blends Mozart with Commedia dell'arte imagery. Only a fragment of the violin part remains from Mozart's Carnival Pantomime K.446, which was first performed on Shrove Tuesday in 1783 for the entertainment of guests at a fancy dress ball with the composer himself playing the role of Harlequin. Schwertsik has quoted from the Mozartian fragment to form a seven movement suite, capturing the masquerade's characters in a humorous parody, akin to Stravinsky's similar venture in Pulcinella, with the aim of emulating Mozart's jokery and bravado fantasy.
1. entree 2. pantalon 3. columbine 4. alla turka - pas de trois - alla turca - petit pas de deux - alla turca 5. pierrot 6. dottore 7. harlequin