Klarinet Archive - Posting 000313.txt from 2005/04

From: ormo2ndtoby@-----.net (Ormondtoby Montoya)
Subj: RE: [kl] Precisely what is a "partita"?
Date: Wed, 20 Apr 2005 12:11:57 -0400

A couple of points, Dan:

I'm not averse to reading, but Groves is not online without a paid
subscription, and the local University library is truly difficult during
the daylight hours (when I can visit). The local public library has
better parking but is further away from me, and a trip there would
involve 3-4 hours also (plus I question whether they have Groves, the
library is barely suitable for high school students). I'm not
sufficiently determined to devote 3-4 hours to the effort, and I was
hoping that someone who already has the information would post a
paragraph or two.

I did not ask my question in preparation for a term paper or thesis or
anything else that is 'for credit'. Most of us, including myself once
or twice, have declined to post replies to students who want someone
else to do their homework for them, but my question about 'partita' is
not such a case. I view my question as more akin to asking for street
directions or for the name of a good restaurant."

I *have* looked in my three dictionaries. They don't pin down the word
for me. Especially, none of them resolve the statement (my memory is
strong that you posted this statement) that the Mozart's Gran Partitta
isn't really a partita. I'm curious (not challenging anyone) why this
is so?

For example, Harvard Dictionary says simply (a precis):

In the late 16th and 17th century, a variation, usually one on a
traditional melody. In the late Baroque period, a suite. In the
early Classical period, a type of multimovement instrumental work
oftentimes characterized by a mixture of dance and non-dance movements,
many however consisting entirely of non-dance movements. Although the
majority were intended to be performed by solo instruments (or chamber
ensemble), a fair number of examples for orchestra also exist. In
Austria during the early classical period, partita was the most common
designation for all multimovemental chamber works until the late 1750s,
when it was replaced as the title of choice by divertimento.

Many different pieces of music would seem to qualify under these
definitions. Thus my question remains: is there a tighter definition
for 'partita'?

Presumably anyone's reply here on Klarinet would not be specifically for
*my* benefit. There are approximately 1000 other persons here, and
perhaps some of them would enjoy hearing more detail as well.

Thank you

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