Music Theory

Learning Mozart: Best Songs to Play Right Now

The piano music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is rewarding for students of all levels and abilities. There is something for everyone, from students who are new to the instrument to accomplished performers. Learning Mozart serves two purposes. The technical challenges help pianists improve their keyboar

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Learning Mozart: Best Songs to Play Right Now

The piano music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is rewarding for students of all levels and abilities. There is something for everyone, from students who are new to the instrument to accomplished performers. Learning Mozart serves two purposes. The technical challenges help pianists improve their keyboard skills while the delicate melodies encourage advanced artistry in classical music.

How To Play Mozart

To begin your journey with the music of Mozart, you must first answer a few questions:

  1. What is your current level of playing ability?
  2. Do you have a specific technical goal in mind you hope to achieve by learning Mozart?
  3. Are you learning Mozart for an event such as a recital, church performance, or wedding?
  4. Do you have a piano teacher or coach you can work with or will you be learning on your own?

Now that you’ve thought about the above questions, let’s take a look at the best songs you can play to meet your needs.

Playing Level

The good news here is that Mozart was a child prodigy and began playing the piano at age four and composing at age five. This means that he wrote songs that can be performed by pianists in the early stages of development.

If you are more of a beginner pianist, try these lovely songs composed by Mozart in his youth:

There is a lot of excellent repertoire for intermediate pianists. If you have two or three years of piano experience, look at the following pieces:

Advanced pianists can study Mozart’s concertos or more difficult sonatas. The “Sonata in D Major K 576” is demanding and a true technical workout. If you’d like to work on a concerto, “No. 20 in D Minor, K 466” is a great choice.

Technic Goals

Mozart’s piano music can help you master agility and a lightness of touch. If you need to develop a facility with scales and arpeggios, try the Sonata No. 8 in A Minor, K 310. Your left hand will get a fabulous workout. It will take diligent practice to control the rapid passages and not let them overpower the right hand.

You can also use Mozart’s music to learn how to perfect a soaring, legato melody in the right hand. Just about any slow movement can be used for this. Take a look at the Andante movement from Sonata No. 1 in C major, K 279. Mastering this piece will demand a relaxed, fluid right hand with a delicate accompaniment.

Let’s not forget all those classical ornaments! Trills, appoggiaturas, and turns abound in Mozart’s music. Use any sonata or concerto to study the correct execution of classical period embellishments.

Special Events

One of the most enjoyable aspects of piano playing is performing for others. Mozart’s music is perfect for a variety of occasions. Consider the following possibilities:

  1. Concerts or recitals – It’s nice to have a fun show-off piece for a public performance. You can’t go wrong with the famous “Rondo alla Turca” from the Sonata in A Major, K 331.
  2. Weddings – The “Andante” from the Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major K 467 makes a lovely prelude for a wedding service.
  3. Church Services – The exquisite “Lacrymosa” from the Requiem K 626 is appropriate for just about any church service as a prelude, offertory, or communion selection. “Ave Verum Corpus” is another piece that can enhance worship services.

Learning On Your Own

If you’ve got a piano teacher or coach, good for you. Let your teacher know you’d like to play Mozart and seek guidance in choosing the proper piece for your stage of development and pedagogical goals.

If you are learning on your own, that’s great, too. There are plenty of Mozart pieces that lend themselves to the self-taught student. Regardless of your level of playing, if Mozart’s music is new to you, you should begin with some of his easier selections to become accustomed to his unique style. After you are more comfortable with the light, crisp approach Mozart’s music demands, you can take on more technical challenges.

Start with “Fantasia in D Minor, K 397”. This is an intermediate-level piece that will keep you busy. From the dramatic, moody opening to the uptempo and cheerful B section, there is plenty of expressive content here for a pianist to dig into.

Next, you can move on to the famous ”Sonata No. 16 in C Major, K 545”. Be sure to practice the runs slowly and with correct fingerings to achieve absolute mastery. Then you may increase the tempo. This composition will help you develop a delicate left-hand accompaniment.

“The Overture to the Marriage of Figaro” in a piano transcription is another fun piece that will strengthen finger independence and dexterity. Be sure to listen to recordings of the orchestral version to learn how you should color and finesse your melodic lines.

Learn More

Most importantly, learn all you can about Mozart and his music. Read about his life and listen to performances of his works. The notes on the page can only convey so much. No matter your reason for learning how to play Mozart, your ability to interpret his music will only get better with time and study.

This is a small list of Mozart’s works. Consider it a starting point for a lifetime journey of discovery in classical music. Where the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is concerned, there is always more to enjoy.

Sources Used:

  • https://www.britannica.com/biography/Wolfgang-Amadeus-Mozart
  • https://www.classicfm.com/composers/mozart/guides/first-composition-minuet-trio/
  • https://www.masterclass.com/articles/music-ornaments-guide
  • https://www.jonathandelbridge.com/10-tips-for-playing-mozart/

Published on November 02, 2022.