Parthia in C minor for wind ensemble à 8

Music for multiple wind instruments experienced a flourishing period in the second half of the 18th century, especially in Bohemia and Vienna. Most compositions of this kind feature three or four pairs of instruments—oboes and/or clarinets, horns, and bassoons. Mozart only had access to clarinets outside of Salzburg. Several compositions have been preserved in two different instrumentations; however, apart from the expansion of K. 375 to include two oboes, it is unclear whether Mozart was involved in both versions. Wind music was commonly used indoors as background music for dining (*table music*), while outdoor performances were typically evening entertainment, such as commissioned works for name day celebrations. In Salzburg, there was also a tradition of pieces scored for flutes, five trumpets, and timpani for the Prince-Archbishop’s court.