Joseph Schuster (1748-1812)

Nationality: German

Born: August 11, 1748, Dresden Died: July 24, 1812, Dresden (age 63)

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18th Century

Divertimento No. 4 in C major, 6 Divertimenti da camera

(for violin and harpsichord)

		I.	Andante
		II.	Alla Polacca

glossary

alla [I], all', à la [F]—to the, in the manner of
andante [I]—moderately slow tempo (e.g. walking). Faster than adagio but slower than allegretto
camera [I], da camera, per camera—room; chamber. Used in "Sonata da camera" to distinguish a "chamber" sonata from a "church" sonata (Sonata da chiesa). A chamber sonata tends to include dance movements whereas a church sonata emphasizes counterpoint. Such distinctions are often quite blurry in practice.
chamber music, Kammermusik [G], musique de chambre [F], musica da camera [I], musica cameralis [L]—"Classical Music" for a small ensemble, generally 8 or fewer players with a canonical emphasis on 3-6 players. explore
divertimento [I], divertissement [F]—amusement, diversion, entertainment, even table music; Typically, a suite of movements (often more than 4), often intended for diversion and pleasure of a lighthearted nature, suitable for social occasions. Typically implies a smaller chamber ensemble. The name was common in the 18th century for a variety of music, some of which was more serious and profound than its title would suggest. The French divertissement can apply to an entr'acte: dances and airs from other acts. wiki
duo, duet, dueto [S], duetto [I], duett [G]—a work for two instruments; the ensemble itself
Polonaise [F], Polonoise, Polonese [I], Polacca [I], Polaca, alla polacca, Polones—a dance of Polish origin in a moderate triple meter (3/4) typically with a characteristic rhythm (subdivisions of the beat with a flourish in the 2nd half of the 1st beat) and an energetic momentum.