The period in which the divertimenti for string quartet and winds originated was replete with revolutionary events for Mozart (the struggle of the twenty-year-old “child prodigy” to be accepted as a respected musician, the death of his mother, unreciprocated ardour).The divertimenti, however, as it were remained aloof from these life dramas, rather reflecting memories of the warm Italian sun on his recent travels. Italianate musical style and grace also had a big influence on Mozart’s chamber instrumental works.

The Stamic Quartet combines within itself the strong tradition of the Czech quartet school and a long-term interest in the classicist repertoire. This ensemble’s conjunction with the phenomenal horn-playing brothers Zdenek and Bedrich Tylšar has resulted in a model recording of Mozart’s divertimenti; a recording that (just like these compositions themselves) should serve primarily as a celebration of the joyous side of life.