Augustus the Strong (I.of Saxony and II of Poland) established a special Polish band, called, in contradistinction to the Grosse Kammermusik (Great Chamber-band) in Dresden, Kleine Kammermusik (Little Chamber-band), whose business it was to be in attendance when his majesty went to Poland.

These visits took place usually once a year, and lasted from, August to December, but sometimes were more frequent, and shorter or longer, just as occasion might call for.

Among the members of the Polish band--which consisted of a leader (Premier), four violins, one oboe, two French horns, three bassoons, and one double bass--we meet with such well-known men as Johann Joachim Quanz and Franz Benda.

Their conductor was Alberto Ristori, who at the same time held the post of composer to the Italian actors, a company that, besides plays, performed also little operas, serenades, intermezzi, &c.

The usual retinue of the King on his visits to Poland included also a part of the French ballet and comedy.