Mozart: An Introduction to His Signature and Popular Works
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who had a profound impact on classical music.
He began composing at the age of five, displayed his talents from an early age by performing before European royalty, and left behind more than 800 works during his 35-year life.
He also produced masterpieces in every musical genre of his time and excelled not only as a composer but also as a conductor, pianist, organist, and violinist, earning him the title of a musical genius.
In this article, we introduce some of Mozart’s signature and most popular pieces.
Please enjoy his music—melodies that are catchy and familiar, yet of high quality and imbued with a charm that defies simple description.
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[Mozart] Introducing Representative and Popular Works (41–50)
Eine kleine Nachtmusik, Movement IWolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Composed when the Viennese musician Mozart was 31, this work is one of his signature pieces.
He completed it in August 1787, shortly after his father’s death, and it is characterized by a light, cheerful atmosphere.
Consisting of four movements, it is especially renowned for the striking melody of the first movement.
While the version introduced here is for solo piano, it is more commonly performed by string ensemble or string quartet—both of which captivate listeners.
Showcasing Mozart’s genius, its beautiful, refined melodies and structure brim with appeal that can be enjoyed not only by classical music fans but by anyone.
[Mozart] Introducing Representative and Popular Works (51–60)
Allegro in G minor, K. 312Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Mozart’s piece Allegro in G minor, K.
312, known as an unfinished masterpiece.
Although the reason it was composed remains unknown, it is still performed by many piano enthusiasts today.
In terms of difficulty, it’s suited for intermediate players: while it includes repetitive, straightforward phrases that are approachable even for beginners, it also features frequent hand crossings and some fast passages in tricky spots.
If you can just about manage Fantasia in D minor, K.
397, it’s definitely worth tackling—be sure to check it out.
Overture from the opera “The Marriage of Figaro”Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
A famous piece that opens the opera, characterized by a light and dazzling atmosphere.
Its bright key of D major and the lively interplay between the strings and woodwinds are especially striking.
Another charm is how it presents a wide range of expressions in a short span.
It reflects the opera’s comedic, energetic character and heightens anticipation for the story to come.
Premiered at the Burgtheater in Vienna on May 1, 1786, this piece remains a popular concert favorite worldwide.
It’s also a great recommendation for those interested in classical music but not yet very familiar with it.
“Queen of the Night Aria” from the opera The Magic FluteWolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Among the most famous pieces in the opera The Magic Flute is a work in D minor that conveys intense emotion.
It is sung in the scene where the Queen of the Night orders her daughter Pamina to kill her arch-enemy Sarastro.
The aria demands extraordinary coloratura soprano virtuosity, including passages that reach up to F6, requiring advanced skill from the performer.
This piece holds a crucial place within the opera as a whole and leaves a powerful impression of the Queen of the Night’s character.
It has been featured in films such as Amadeus and The Fifth Element, and is widely known as an emblematic work of classical music.
It is a highly recommended piece for those interested in opera or eager to enjoy soprano virtuosity.
Oboe ConcertoWolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Here is the concerto for oboe and orchestra that Mozart composed in 1777.
It is said to have been written at the request of the Italian oboist Giuseppe Ferlendis.
This demanding piece requires advanced technique and is often used in professional orchestra auditions for oboists.
Many people, even those who aren’t classical music fans, may have heard it because Kuroki, the oboist character, performed it in the popular manga and TV series Nodame Cantabile.
Clarinet Concerto in A major, K. 622 – Movement IIWolfgang Amadeus Mozart
It is Mozart’s final concerto and his only concerto for clarinet.
He composed it in 1791 for Anton Stadler, a friend and fellow Freemason, who was known as “the first great clarinet virtuoso in Vienna.” In Mozart’s time, the clarinet was not yet a mainstream instrument.
The way he fully draws out the instrument’s charm reveals the extent of Mozart’s talent.
Serenade No. 13 in G major “Eine kleine Nachtmusik,” First MovementWolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Mozart’s famous piece often used in various media, the first movement from Serenade No.
13 in G major “Eine kleine Nachtmusik.” Because it’s frequently used as background music while cooking, many people find it very familiar.
Although originally a serenade, it’s a staple at piano recitals.
In terms of difficulty, it’s recommended especially for beginners with relatively little experience.
The tempo and the hand leaps are set at a level that’s just right for novices, so be sure to check it out.