Top 885 Artists-Number 9-W.A. Mozart

A list of the great artists of all time should not be restricted to those from a specific genre, nation, or even century. That's why I had to include the great man who was born 250 years ago in Salzburg: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.


Of course, Mozart is one of the better-known composers. The first movement of "Eine kleine Nachtmusik" is featured in TV commercials a lot. The play & movie Amadeus, although inaccurate in some respects about his life, and supposed rivalry with Antonio Salieri, led to greater popular interest in his music. If nothing else, at least some people came away with the realization that musicians of that period were just as wild as any rocker or rapper of our time. Then there's Falco's "Rock Me Adadeus", a big hit back in the 80s, or did you forget about that?

I can't possibly devote enought space here to discuss his body of work. He was an amazing composer in symphony, solo concerto, opera, and chamber music. He wrote dances and serenades as well as a lot of religious works, including masses. Some of my favorites over the years have been "The Magic Flute", "The Abduction of the Seraglio", and "Cosi fan tutte". But I always come back to "Jenamy", his Piano Concerto No. 9 (K.271). I first experienced it in a performance by the Philadelphia Orchestra last year. This is rightfully considered one of his first true great works, written when he was 21. After the opening orchestral fanfare, the piano jumps right in, and with passion. This early entrance was unusual for its time. And also unexpected was that in the final movement rondo, Mozart briefly slows down the fast pace with a minuet section. It's a tribute to the father (a dancer) whose daughter inspired Mozart to write this very piece. Absolutely charming!