Scena I. Pantalon and Colombine zanken sich. (Pantalon and Colombine bicker)

Ballets were a regular component of performances of Italian *opere serie*, and occasionally also of serenatas. Depending on local tradition, up to three different ballets might be performed in conjunction with an opera; these were generally not composed by the opera’s composer. Exceptions to this rule include Mozart’s ballets K. 657 for Ascanio in Alba, K. 111 and K. 367 for Idomeneo, re di Creta, K. 366. A strong ballet tradition existed in Paris: there, Mozart composed Les petits riens, K. 299b and drafted several other works and individual movements. Mozart also composed music for pantomimes performed at private balls in Vienna, as well as the stage music (with chorus) for the drama Thamos, King of Egypt, K. 345.