One of Rosetti's responsibilities as court composer was to create music for special occasions: to celebrate joyful events in the lives of the prince and his family, and to offer homage on more somber occasions. Two such honorific compositions, representing emotional extremes, are the subject of this chapter. One is a birthday offering to Prince Kraft Ernst, and the other is funeral music for the prince's young bride. These are not pieces for whoever might purchase them, but rather genuine expressions of personal esteem.

The strict class structure of the eighteenth century did not encourage friendships or expressions of familiarity between members of different social classes. It is impossible from today's vantage point to determine what sort of personal relationship, if any, might have existed between members of the aristocracy and their servants. The ruling class assumed the unquestioning devotion of their servants. In turn, most servants were aware that their lives would be vastly less comfortable if it were not for the protection of their employers, and were grateful for their situations. Even though Rosetti and the prince did not always agree, there is no reason to question Rosetti's gratitude to his employer, nor the sincerity of expression in the two occasional pieces discussed in this chapter.

Orchestral Serenade in D Major

On August 3, 1788, Kraft Ernst celebrated his fortieth birthday. As part of the festivities, Rosetti composed an orchestral serenade in the prince's honor.