Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Idomeneo Band II: Wind Ensemble

Johann Nepomuk Wendt was an oboist at the Vienna Burgtheater, where he seems to have been a very assiduous arranger of Mozart operas for wind ensembles. Since "Così fan tutte" (MR 1876/77), "Die Entführung aus dem Serail" (MR 1826) and "Le nozze di Figaro" (MR 1825 a/b) have been available as MUSICA RARA editions for quite a while now, it seemed logical to add "Idomeneo" to the collection. Although the source – a set of parts preserved at the Florence Conservatory – does not expressly mention Wendt as the arranger, the manuscript’s location and handwriting make it absolutely clear that this is a genuine Wendt. The various numbers are concentrated, and the vocal parts are supplied with ornaments that are idiomatic to the instruments – typical stylistic characteristics of Mozart’s day. Wendt’s arrangements thus provide a fascinating insight into the ornamental practice of the late 18 th century.