A previously unpublished overture to a serenata (dramatic cantata) composed by him in 1741 for the name-day of his employer shows what a talented composer for orchestra he was and demonstrates his willingness to introduce exquisite and original effects. A typical instance is this four-movement overture’s second movement (Aria), where the viola plays a prominent line in non-stop semiquavers marked forte, while the lines for the other instruments, including the violins above, are all marked piano: the melody thus becomes effectively the servant of its accompaniment.

 Music example (pdf)