Where to Start With Mozart
5 of his greatest strokes of genius
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. He’s a man everyone’s heard of, yet remarkably few are actually familiar with his work.
Mozart’s music is known for its emotional clarity, technical precision, and sheer beauty. Even if you’ve never ventured into the world of classical music, his works are accessible and brimming with life.
Today, we’ll introduce you to five of his best pieces to start with. If you’re new to his music, these will provide a wonderful point of departure — and a window into his genius…
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1) Symphony No. 25 in G Minor, K. 183
If you’re looking for intensity, look no further. Known as one of Mozart’s “storm and stress” (Sturm und Drang) symphonies, this composition is driven by urgent rhythms and dramatic shifts in dynamics. You can feel the tension from the very first note as the violins tear into a restless theme, setting the tone for the entire symphony.
The fiery passion of this piece sets it apart from the more lighthearted works of Mozart’s youth. It’s dark, powerful, and highlights the Austrian wunderkind’s emotional depth in full force.
2) Piano Concerto No. 23 in A Major, K. 488
This concerto is a masterpiece of emotional contrast. The first movement is bright and graceful, full of lilting melodies and playful exchanges between piano and orchestra. But it’s in the second movement that Mozart pulls you in deep — here the music turns introspective, with a hauntingly beautiful melody that swirls like a wisp of smoke in the air.
The final movement lifts the mood again, playful and jubilant, reminding you that joy always finds its way back. The concerto is a wonderful example of Mozart’s ability to paint with emotion, simultaneously captivating both the mind and the heart.
3) Serenade No. 13 in G Major, K. 525 "Eine kleine Nachtmusik"
Even if you’re unfamiliar with classical music, you’ve probably heard this one before. “Eine kleine Nachtmusik,” or “A Little Night Music,” is one of Mozart’s most iconic pieces. The buoyant, elegant melodies dance gracefully across your ears, making it easy to see why this serenade has stood the test of time.
Serenade No. 13 is the perfect introduction to Mozart’s lighter side. Even though it’s so well known, it never fails to surprise you with hidden bursts of charm and sophistication. Listen carefully, and you’ll discover that there’s much more to this piece than first meets the ear…
4) Symphony No. 29 in A Major, K. 201
This symphony is noteworthy as it combines vitality with elegance — it is tremendously confident, yet never oversteps or loses its grace. As the piece unfolds you can hear Mozart’s genius in creating both playful and heartfelt moments, all wrapped in the refined textures of the classical symphonic form.
It’s a work that radiates warmth and joy — the famous British musicologist Stanley John Sadie described it as “intimate, chamber music style with a still fiery and impulsive manner.” Perhaps most remarkably, Mozart completed it when he was just 18 years old.
5) The Marriage of Figaro, K. 492
Opera might seem intimidating at first, but Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro) is as entertaining as any modern drama.
The overture alone would be sufficiently enthralling as a standalone composition — its loud-quiet dynamics, fluid tempo, and sparkling melodies set the stage for the comedic, yet poignant, story to come.
Later on, the opera’s arias and ensembles are filled with wit, emotion, and beauty — Mozart somehow manages to compose even sad songs in a major key. It’s an opera in which not a single note is misplaced, and it’s rightly regarded as one of Mozart’s finest achievements.
Reminder: You can get extra Saturday content from us every week! Deep-dives, exclusive interviews, and breakdowns of history’s greatest artworks.
This Saturday, we explore Dante’s 700-year-old vision of Hell: Inferno. We’ll guide you through the 9 circles of Hell — and show you what’s at the very bottom.
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Art of the Week
Barbara Krafft’s portrait of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is one of the most recognizable depictions of the composer — yet the image we’ve come to know is far more symbolic than personal.
Krafft painted this nearly three decades after Mozart’s death, relying on written descriptions and earlier portraits to craft her interpretation of the legendary musician.
On a technical level, Krafft’s attention to detail is remarkable. Mozart’s features are delicately rendered, capturing the elegance of his expression — a face that balances both focus and calm. His powdered wig and red velvet coat evoke the 18th-century aristocratic fashion, positioning Mozart not only as a composer but as a figure of refined social status.
But there’s something more here. Krafft’s portrayal of Mozart, though created after his death, manages to embody the genius and spirit we associate with him. His thoughtful gaze feels slightly distant, yet still personable. He’s engaged with the viewer, even though his creative mind is constantly at work in the background.
This portrait, like the music Mozart left behind, conveys a sense of timelessness. Though the work is a reconstruction, it feels remarkably authentic in how it presents Mozart — composed, serene, yet full of life — just like his music.
Thank you for this article. For myself Mozart has always been "too much," until I learned that this is no background music. His music is the kind of music that you listen to with closed eyes and your full attention. Only then I came to appreciate it.
Now do Paganini