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Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: ‘Posthorn’ Serenade No. 9 in D, K. 320
Unfortunately this performance shows a distinct lack of posthorn – the part is played on an ordinary orchestral horn (tut!!) …
- Adagio maestoso – Allegro con spirito
- Minuetto
- Concertante: Andante grazioso in G major
- Rondeau: Allegro ma non troppo in G major
- Andantino in D minor
- Minuetto – Trio 1 and 2
- Finale: Presto
… this is on the posthorn, as Mozart intended, but I’m afraid neither the sound nor the picture quality are good.
Gérard de Nerval/Hector Berlioz:
La damnation de Faust – Sérénade
… here’s a staged version with a really wicked Russian(?) Mephistopheles: Sérénade
Mephistopheles
In front of the house
Of the one who adores you,
Little Louison,
What have you been doing since dawn?
At the sign of pleasure
In the fellow’s room
You can go in maiden
But not come out maiden.
In front of the house …
Mephistopheles and the Wills-o’-the-Wisp
What are you doing?
Ha!
Mephistopheles
He stretches out his arms to you;
To him
You quickly run.
Good night, alas!
My little one, good night.
At the fatal moment
Put up great resistance,
Unless he first offers you
A wedding ring.
Mephistopheles and the Wills-o’-the-Wisp
He stretches out his arms to you …
Ha!
Anon/Benjamin Britten:
Serenade for Tenor, Horn & Strings, Dirge
… and a live concert performance of the Dirge
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The Art of Listening 
Thank you for transforming yet another grey day.
I did not know the Berlioz but loved it. Thank you as always,
Elizabeth
Many thanks. Illuminating and entertaining as always.I especially liked the Britten.
Fran
I loved your choice of vocal serenades, and the Berlioz was new to me too. Masterly writing for voices and orchestra.