Mozart: Serenade in D major, K.239

Introduction

The Serenade No. 6 for Orchestra in D major K. 239, Serenata notturna, was written by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in Salzburg, in 1776. Mozart's father, Leopold Mozart, wrote the title and a January 1776 date on the original manuscript.

It has three movements:

• Marcia (maestoso)
• Minuetto
• Rondo (allegretto)

It is scored for

• Two small orchestras
  • 1st violin (soloist), 2nd violin (soloist), 1st viola, double bass
  • 1st violin, 2nd violin, 2nd viola, cello, timpani.

The title Serenata notturna has also been used by Robin Holloway for a work for four horns and orchestra (his opus 52, 1982).