The Most Popular Piece by Mozart, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the piece by Mozart you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 22, 2024 07:25
In a world overflowing with Mozart's compositions, both aficionados and newcomers alike might find themselves overwhelmed when trying to pinpoint which of his works resonate most deeply with audiences today. Ranking Mozart's pieces offers a focused lens through which one can appreciate the breadth and depth of his genius in a collective, interactive manner.
By participating in this live ranking, you contribute to a dynamically shaped list that reflects current preferences and insights. This not only aids others in discovering the joy of Mozart's works but also gives a fresh perspective on how his music connects with people across different generations and backgrounds.
What Is the Most Popular Piece by Mozart?
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137votes
Symphony No. 40 in G minor
Wolfgang Amadeus MozartThis symphony is one of Mozart's most well-known works and is often recognized for its dramatic and emotional qualities. It is also one of the few symphonies Mozart wrote in a minor key, which adds to its unique character.Symphony No. 40 in G minor, also known as Mozart's Great G minor Symphony, is a renowned orchestral composition by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. This symphony is one of his most popular and highly regarded works, embodying the intense emotions and dramatic qualities characteristic of the Sturm und Drang (storm and stress) movement of the late 18th century. It was composed during the summer of 1788, a period of personal and financial difficulties for Mozart. Despite its intense and somber tone, Symphony No. 40 remains an enduring masterpiece admired for its melodic richness, harmonic complexity, and structural finesse.- Key: G minor
- Genre: Symphony
- Catalogue Number: K. 550
- Composed: 1788
- Period: Classical
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236votes
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik
Wolfgang Amadeus MozartThis serenade is one of Mozart's most famous works and is often played at formal events and weddings. Its catchy melody and light-hearted character make it a popular choice for many occasions.Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, also known as Serenade No. 13 for strings in G major, is one of Mozart's most famous compositions. It is a light-hearted and joyful piece of music that is often performed at social gatherings and concerts.- Composition date: 1787
- Genre: Serenade
- Key: G major
- Number of movements: 4
- Instrumentation: String ensemble (2 violins, viola, cello, double bass)
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321votes
TantalosRFH · Public domainPiano Sonata No. 11 in A major
Wolfgang Amadeus MozartThis sonata, also known as the "Alla Turca," is one of Mozart's most popular piano works. Its third movement features a lively and catchy tune that has become a popular cultural reference in many movies and TV shows.The Piano Sonata No. 11 in A major, also known as Sonata facile, is a piano sonata composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. It is one of Mozart's most well-known and beloved pieces, characterized by its elegant and melodic passages. The sonata consists of three movements and was composed in 1783.- Key: A major
- Year of composition: 1783
- Number of movements: 3
- Alternate name: Sonata facile
- Genre: Classical
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410votes
Symphony No. 41 in C major
Wolfgang Amadeus MozartThis symphony, also known as the "Jupiter," is considered by many to be one of Mozart's greatest works. Its complex and intricate structure, as well as its powerful melodies, make it a masterpiece of classical music.The Symphony No. 41 in C major, also known as the 'Jupiter Symphony', is a symphony composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. It is considered one of his most popular and greatest works. This symphony is the last of Mozart's symphonies and is known for its grandiosity and complexity.- Composition Year: 1788
- Key: C major
- Movements: 4
- Duration: About 32 minutes
- Instrumentation: Flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons, horns, trumpets, timpani, and strings
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58votes
Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domainThe Marriage of Figaro
Wolfgang Amadeus MozartThis opera is one of Mozart's most beloved works and is still regularly performed today. Its witty and comedic plot, as well as its beautiful music, have made it a favorite among audiences for centuries.The Marriage of Figaro is a beloved opera buffa composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. It is based on the French play of the same name by Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais. This opera tells a comedic and dramatic story about Figaro, a valet, and Susanna, a maid, who are about to get married. Count Almaviva, their master, tries to exercise his feudal right to sleep with the bride-to-be, resulting in a series of humorous love triangles, misunderstandings, and plots.- Genre: Opera Buffa
- Language: Italian
- Premiere Date: May 1, 1786
- Librettist: Lorenzo Da Ponte
- Number of Acts: 4
The Marriage of Figaro in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular Opera Buffa composed by Mozart
- Position 9 of 10 in Most popular opera of all time
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614votes
Requiem Mass in D minor
Wolfgang Amadeus MozartThis unfinished work is one of Mozart's most haunting and powerful compositions. Its dramatic and emotional qualities, as well as the mystery surrounding its completion, have made it a popular subject of fascination and intrigue.The Requiem Mass in D minor is a famous choral composition by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. It is one of his most well-known works and is considered a masterpiece of classical music. The Requiem is a mass for the dead, consisting of musical movements that convey a sense of mourning, solace, and awe. Mozart began composing the Requiem in 1791 but tragically died before completing it. The work was finished posthumously by Mozart's student, Franz Xaver Süssmayr, based on Mozart's sketches and instructions. The Requiem is known for its rich orchestration, powerful choral writing, and sublime melodies.- Genre: Choral composition
- Key: D minor
- Composition Year: 1791
- Completed By: Franz Xaver Süssmayr
- Instrumentation: Orchestra, choir, and vocal soloists
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78votes
Clarinet Concerto in A major
Wolfgang Amadeus MozartThis concerto is one of Mozart's most popular works for the clarinet and is often considered one of his most beautiful compositions. Its serene and melancholic melodies, as well as its technical virtuosity, make it a favorite among both performers and audiences.The Clarinet Concerto in A major is a renowned musical composition by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. It is one of Mozart's last completed works and is considered one of his most popular and beloved pieces. The concerto features a solo clarinet accompanied by an orchestra, and it showcases the instrument's expressive and virtuosic qualities. Mozart composed the concerto in 1791 for his friend, renowned clarinetist Anton Stadler. The piece is characterized by its lyrical melodies, delicate phrasing, and seamless integration between the soloist and the orchestra. The Clarinet Concerto in A major demonstrates Mozart's mastery of Classical style and his ability to evoke a wide range of emotions through music.- Key: A major
- Composed in: 1791
- Instrumentation: Clarinet soloist, orchestra
- Number of movements: Three
- Duration: Approximately 28 minutes
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810votes
Lionelmozart · CC BY-SA 4.0Don Giovanni
Wolfgang Amadeus MozartThis opera is often considered one of Mozart's most impressive works and is renowned for its dramatic and complex plot. Its powerful music, as well as its exploration of themes such as love, lust, and revenge, have made it a favorite among opera lovers for centuries.Don Giovanni is an opera in two acts composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. It is considered one of Mozart's most famous and influential works. The opera premiered in 1787 and is based on the myth of Don Juan, a fictional libertine and seducer. Don Giovanni tells the story of the arrogant and promiscuous nobleman, Don Giovanni, who encounters various romantic and comedic adventures, ultimately leading to his downfall and damnation.- Genre: Opera
- Language: Italian
- Premiere Date: October 29, 1787
- Act: Two acts
- Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Don Giovanni in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular Opera Buffa composed by Mozart
- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular opera of all time
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93votes
Symphony No. 25 in G minor
Wolfgang Amadeus MozartThis symphony, composed when Mozart was only 17 years old, is one of his most famous early works. Its brooding and intense character, as well as its use in the film "Amadeus," have made it one of his most recognizable compositions.The Symphony No. 25 in G minor is a classical symphony composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. It is often referred to as the 'Little G minor Symphony' due to its relatively short length and small orchestra. This symphony showcases Mozart's exceptional talent and is considered one of his most dramatic and intense works.- Key: G minor
- Composition Year: 1773
- Genre: Classical
- Movements: 4
- Duration: Approximately 25 minutes
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105votes
Stannered · Public domainSerenade No. 13 in G major
Wolfgang Amadeus MozartThis serenade, also known as "Eine kleine Nachtmusik," is one of Mozart's most famous and beloved works. Its catchy and joyful melodies, as well as its use in popular culture, have made it a staple of classical music.The Serenade No. 13 in G major, also known as 'Eine Kleine Nachtmusik', is a celebrated composition by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. It is one of his most popular and enduring works, admired for its elegance and charm.- Key: G major
- Genre: Serenade
- Catalogue Number: K. 525
- Composition Year: 1787
- Movements: 4
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Ranking factors for popular piece by Mozart
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Melodic AppealConsider how memorable and distinctive the melody is, as well as its ability to evoke emotions in the listener.
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Harmonic ComplexityAnalyze the intricacy and sophistication of the harmonic structure, which includes the chord progressions and voicing.
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Orchestration and InstrumentationExamine how well Mozart utilized the different instruments in the piece and how skillful his orchestration was.
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Formal StructureEvaluate the clarity and balance of the piece's overall structure, considering aspects like development, theme, and variations.
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Historical SignificanceTake into account its importance in the history of classical music, such as influencing other composers or advancing the development of a particular genre.
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PopularityMeasure how well-known and recognized the piece is among both musical experts and the general public.
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ReceptionConsider how the work was initially received by audiences and critics, as well as its current reputation among musicologists and performers.
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Performance FrequencyLook at how often the piece is performed by major orchestras, ensembles, and soloists in concert programs and recordings.
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Difficulty and Level of SkillEvaluate the technical demands of the piece for the musicians, both individually and as an ensemble.
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Innovation and OriginalityAssess the unique traits of the composition, focusing on how Mozart broke new ground or pushed the boundaries of his craft.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular piece by Mozart. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or opera is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1166 views
- 146 votes
- 10 ranked items
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Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each opera once every 24 hours. The rank of each opera is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular piece by mozart
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is one of the most influential composers in the history of classical music. Born in Austria in 1756, he began composing at a very young age and went on to create some of the most iconic pieces of music of all time.
Throughout his career, Mozart wrote a vast array of works, including operas, symphonies, chamber music, and concertos. However, his most popular pieces are undoubtedly his piano sonatas, serenades, and of course, his operas.
When it comes to determining the most popular piece by Mozart, there are several contenders. Some of his most well-known works include the Symphony No. 40, the Requiem Mass in D minor, and the opera The Marriage of Figaro. However, there are many other pieces that have gained popularity over the years, making it difficult to determine a clear winner.
Regardless of which piece is deemed the most popular, there is no denying the impact that Mozart has had on the world of classical music. His works continue to be celebrated and performed around the globe, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest composers of all time.
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