The 25 Most Famous Mozart Pieces, from Eine kleine Nachtmusik to the Requiem

What is Mozart's most famous piece?

Eine kleine Nachtmusik, his bright serenade for strings from 1787, is Mozart's most famous piece, followed by the Rondo alla Turca ("Turkish March") from his Piano Sonata No. 11, the opening of Symphony No. 40 in G minor, the Queen of the Night's aria from The Magic Flute and the Lacrimosa from his unfinished Requiem.

Mozart's most famous pieces

1. Eine kleine Nachtmusik, K. 525, 1787: the most recognizable serenade ever written.
2. Rondo alla Turca, from Piano Sonata No. 11, K. 331: the lively "Turkish March".
3. Symphony No. 40 in G minor, K. 550, 1788: its restless opening theme is known around the world.
4. Requiem in D minor, K. 626, 1791: his final, unfinished masterpiece, including the Lacrimosa.
5. The Magic Flute, K. 620, 1791: his fairy-tale opera, with the Queen of the Night's fiery aria.
6. The Marriage of Figaro, K. 492, 1786: a comic opera with a sparkling overture.
7. Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major, K. 467, 1785: its slow movement became famous through the film Elvira Madigan.
8. Clarinet Concerto in A major, K. 622, 1791: its gentle slow movement was featured in the film Out of Africa.
9. Symphony No. 41 "Jupiter", K. 551, 1788: his last and grandest symphony.
10. Don Giovanni, K. 527, 1787: a dark, dramatic opera about a famous seducer.

More famous Mozart works

11. Piano Sonata No. 16 in C major, K. 545: the "easy sonata" every piano student learns.
12. Twelve Variations on "Ah vous dirai-je, maman", K. 265: variations on the tune of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star".
13. Ave verum corpus, K. 618, 1791: a short, serene choral motet.
14. Exsultate, jubilate, K. 165, 1773: a joyful motet ending with a famous "Alleluia".
15. Symphony No. 25 in G minor, K. 183, 1773: the stormy music that opens the film Amadeus.
16. Piano Concerto No. 20 in D minor, K. 466, 1785: dramatic and passionate.
17. Concerto for Flute and Harp, K. 299, 1778: elegant and graceful.
18. Horn Concerto No. 4, K. 495: a cheerful concerto with a hunting-style finale.
19. Serenade No. 10 "Gran Partita", K. 361: its slow movement is a highlight of Amadeus.
20. "Sull'aria", from The Marriage of Figaro: the duet heard in The Shawshank Redemption.
21. "Papageno, Papagena", from The Magic Flute: a playful love duet.
22. Laudate Dominum, from Vesperae solennes de confessore, K. 339, 1780: a radiant soprano solo.
23. Overture to The Magic Flute: a bright, festive opener.
24. Piano Concerto No. 23 in A major, K. 488, 1786: lyrical and warm.
25. Sinfonia Concertante for Violin and Viola, K. 364, 1779: a rich, songful double concerto.

Who was Mozart?

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in Salzburg in 1756 and died in Vienna in 1791, at just 35. A child prodigy, he toured Europe's royal courts with his father and sister before he was ten, and he went on to write more than 600 works: symphonies, concertos, operas, chamber music, piano sonatas and church music. His works are numbered in the Köchel catalogue, which is why each piece has a K. number. Few composers wrote so much great music in so many forms in such a short life.

Mozart in films

Mozart's music is everywhere in film. The 1984 film Amadeus, about his rivalry with Antonio Salieri, won eight Oscars including Best Picture and introduced millions to his music. "Sull'aria" from The Marriage of Figaro plays in one of the most memorable scenes of The Shawshank Redemption, the Clarinet Concerto accompanies Out of Africa, and Eine kleine Nachtmusik and the Turkish March turn up in countless commercials and cartoons.

Mozart for a wedding

Mozart is a wonderful choice for a ceremony. The second movement of Eine kleine Nachtmusik and the Laudate Dominum are lovely for the processional, the slow movement of the Clarinet Concerto or Piano Concerto No. 21 suits the signing, and the "Alleluia" from Exsultate, jubilate or the finale of Eine kleine Nachtmusik makes a joyful recessional. For more, see our processional songs and instrumental wedding songs.

Mozart for studying, babies and children

Many people study or work to Mozart's calm, orderly music, especially the piano sonatas and the slow movements of the concertos. For babies and young children, the "Twinkle, Twinkle" variations, the Piano Sonata No. 16 and the gentle Ave verum corpus are soothing, and The Magic Flute's playful arias are a fun introduction to opera. For more, see our lullabies.

More classical and piano music

For more famous pieces, see our famous piano songs and best musical theatre songs.

A classical piece written for them

Mozart wrote music for patrons, friends and the people he loved. A personalized song can be written for someone you love: their name, your story and an elegant classical sound with strings and piano. It makes a beautiful wedding, anniversary or birthday gift.

How to create a personalized classical song

1. Choose a style from 14 genres: classical, acoustic, jazz and more.
2. Add their name.
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5. Listen to 4 free 45-second previews and choose your favorite.

The full 3 to 4 minute song costs $35.99, or $40.99 for Premium with four full versions and editable lyrics. You get the MP3, a gift page and the lyrics as a PDF.

Give them a song of their own: create a song and hear four previews for free.