Divertimenti: D-dur KV 155 / G-dur KV 156 / B-dur KV 159 / Es-dur KV 160

The Divertimenti KV 155, 156, 159, and 160 were composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in 1772 while he was residing in Milan. Part of a set often referred to as the 'Milanese Quartets,' these works were produced during a period of transition in Mozart’s early career, reflecting the influence of the Italian string quartet style that the young composer encountered during his travels. They are characterized by a light, conversational texture that balances technical precision with the melodic grace typical of his mid-teen years.

This specific recording was performed by Die Wiener Solisten, an ensemble celebrated for its dedication to the Austro-German chamber repertoire. Released by Deutsche Grammophon under the catalog number 2538 066, the record represents the label’s commitment to capturing the nuances of classical-era chamber music with high-fidelity production standards. Upon its release, the album was noted by critics for its balanced, scholarly approach to Mozart’s early compositions, emphasizing clarity and stylistic fidelity over overt emotional dramatization.