Johannes (Matthias) Sperger (1750–1812)
6 Divertimenti for 2 Oboes, 2 Horns and Bassoon (SWV D I/1–6)
First edition
The 6 Divertimenti presented here in print for the first time come from Sperger's extensive estate, which is now preserved in the music collection of the Landesbibliothek Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (State Library of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania).
Sperger's own catalogue of works, where these pieces are listed as “Parthia”, shows that they are to be regarded as a single collection. They were composed in 1777 and sent by Sperger to Count Széchényi. The order of the pieces in this edition follows his entry in the catalogue.
In the autograph, the individual works bear neither a title nor a common heading. Two oboes are always specified; however, in his catalogue Sperger notes “Clarinetto Parthia oder Oboe Parthia”, so 2 clarinets are also possible as an alternative.
