Mozart: An Introduction to His Signature and Popular Works

Piano Sonata K. 545, 1st MovementWolfgang Amadeus Mozart

36th Prizewinners’ Commemorative Concert / Rikuto Wakabayashi — Mozart: Piano Sonata K. 545, 1st movement

Among Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s piano works, this piece is especially famous.

Even those who aren’t well-versed in classical music might say, “I know this melody!” Composed in June 1788 with piano learners in mind, it captivates with its bright and light character.

However, despite its familiarity, playing it beautifully is by no means easy.

It’s filled with essential techniques, such as maintaining balance with the left-hand accompaniment while keeping the right-hand melody even and well-articulated.

Performing such a renowned piece at a recital is sure to boost your confidence—and the sense of accomplishment when you master it is exceptional.

Ave verum corpusWolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Mozart ~ Ave Verum Corpus ~ Leonard Bernstein

Hailed as a “miraculous masterpiece” in the world of classical music, this work’s profound piety and serene beauty resonate deeply with listeners.

Though it spans only 46 measures, the power of prayer contained within is immeasurable.

Beginning in D major and modulating deftly through A major, F major, and D minor, its technique attests to the composer’s extraordinary skill.

At its premiere on June 23, 1791, in a small church on the outskirts of Vienna, many in the audience were moved to tears by its beauty.

This piece is recommended not only for those interested in sacred music, but also for anyone who wishes to engage with music in quiet contemplation.

String Quintet in G minorWolfgang Amadeus Mozart

W.A.Mozart:String Quintet G min,K.516 Löscher,Bowman,Camille,Dann,Karttunen, Chamber Music Festival

Mozart composed many string quintets, and this one is quite famous and often featured in chamber music concerts.

Since it is in a minor key, it gives a melancholy and somewhat weighty impression, but it conveys a charm that differs from Mozart’s usual brightness.

I wonder what love is like.Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Voi che sapete – Agnes Baltsa

From the opera The Marriage of Figaro, this is an aria sung by a boy named Cherubino.

Although the character is a boy, it is typically performed by a female singer, either an alto or a mezzo-soprano.

It’s a charming piece sung by a youth who is inexperienced in love and in love with the idea of love.

Young mezzo-sopranos often take on this piece.

Divertimento K. 138Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Mozart: Divertimento in F major, K. 138 — La Folle Journée au Japon 2014, conducted by Minori Tomita

This is one of the less well-known divertimenti.

It’s the string orchestra version.

The first movement is easier than K.136, so it seems to be relatively popular with performers.

While K.136 isn’t really suited to ensemble playing, this one is more splendid and effective as an ensemble piece than as a quartet or quintet.

Concerto for Flute and HarpWolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Concerto for Flute and Harp, Second Movement

It is also known as an unusual double concerto in which Mozart featured the flute and harp as solo instruments.

The combination of flute and harp had no precedent, and at a time when great harp concertos were said to be few, Mozart brilliantly demonstrated the instrument’s appeal.

The second movement, Andantino, has become so famous that it is often performed on its own.

Symphony No. 35 “Haffner”Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Mozart: Symphony No. 35 in D major, K. 385 “Haffner” — I. Allegro

There’s a rule of thumb that symphonies with nicknames tend to become famous, and the “Haffner” is no exception—it’s a popular piece frequently performed by amateur orchestras and the like.

Its grand introduction and delicate melodies are beautiful.