Unique Presentation Identifier:
O7
Program Type
Honors
Faculty Advisor
Dr. Phoebe Robertson
Document Type
Presentation
Location
Face-to-face
Start Date
29-4-2025 10:20 AM
Abstract
Regardless of the ensemble, many musicians see value in honoring the intentions of a composer. The further in time one is removed from the composer, the harder this task can be. This is especially difficult with changes in what instruments are common and available. Mozart’s KV 439b, a collection of five multi-movement divertimentos, is believed to be originally written for a trio of the now-obsolete basset horn. This has led to a variety of arrangements and transcriptions for a wide range of ensembles of different sizes and instrumentations.
In my presentation, I will be analyzing and comparing select movements of arrangements for modern instruments. This will give me the opportunity to highlight the changes that have been made to adapt for the loss of prevalence of the basset horn. By comparing these changes, one can see the different approaches that have been taken to adapt and what parts of the original basset horn trio they attempt to recreate. By comparing and contrasting these versions in my presentation, I hope to demonstrate the value of the divertimento as a Classical-era genre.
My presentation will feature performances by myself and my peers, which will help audiences from both musical and non-musical backgrounds to understand the assets and liabilities of various arrangements. This comparative analysis has the potential to serve as a starting point for future students as they weigh these differences in determining which arrangement they would like to select when performing this piece.
Recommended Citation
Smith Gomez, Martha Elvira, "No Basset Horn? No Problem: Mozart’s KV 439b and its Adaptations" (2025). ATU Student Research Symposium. 50.
https://orc.library.atu.edu/atu_rs/2025/2025/50
Included in
No Basset Horn? No Problem: Mozart’s KV 439b and its Adaptations
Face-to-face
Regardless of the ensemble, many musicians see value in honoring the intentions of a composer. The further in time one is removed from the composer, the harder this task can be. This is especially difficult with changes in what instruments are common and available. Mozart’s KV 439b, a collection of five multi-movement divertimentos, is believed to be originally written for a trio of the now-obsolete basset horn. This has led to a variety of arrangements and transcriptions for a wide range of ensembles of different sizes and instrumentations.
In my presentation, I will be analyzing and comparing select movements of arrangements for modern instruments. This will give me the opportunity to highlight the changes that have been made to adapt for the loss of prevalence of the basset horn. By comparing these changes, one can see the different approaches that have been taken to adapt and what parts of the original basset horn trio they attempt to recreate. By comparing and contrasting these versions in my presentation, I hope to demonstrate the value of the divertimento as a Classical-era genre.
My presentation will feature performances by myself and my peers, which will help audiences from both musical and non-musical backgrounds to understand the assets and liabilities of various arrangements. This comparative analysis has the potential to serve as a starting point for future students as they weigh these differences in determining which arrangement they would like to select when performing this piece.