If you think you don’t know any of Mozart’s music, you probably need to think again. Mozart has composed more than 600 works including operas, chamber music, concertos and more, and much of the composer’s work is well known beyond the world of classical music due to its appearances in film, TV and advertising soundtracks. We’ve chosen some famous highlights of the composer’s work, and hopefully you’ll find that even if you’re not familiar with the name of the piece, once you hit play, not only will it feel familiar, but you may even start humming along.
Piano Sonata No. 16
If you recognise this piano sonata, perhaps it’s due to its recent use in Bill and Ted Face the Music. In this film, the pair travel through time to look for historic musical figures and find Mozart on their journey. Mozart performs this piano sonata whilst Jimmy Hendrix improvises around it on electric guitar, and the pair hold a musical battle in an 18th century court. This piano sonata is also often used in music education to show key features of classical music. It begins with an Alberti bass line, and is written in sonata form, both features that define much of the music of the classical period.
The overture from The Marriage of Figaro
The overture from The Marriage of Figarois as grand as it is recognisable. It’s appeared in many advertisement, TV and movie soundtracks, including Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Zombie Land and Trading Places. Fans of the overture can look forward to WNO Orchestra’s rendition of the overture this Spring in the return of our beloved production of The Marriage of Figaro.
Twelve Variations on Ah! Vous dirai-je, maman
It’s a common myth that Mozart wrote the original tune of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, a rumour that perhaps stemmed from his 12 variations on the French version of the piece. In each variation, the original tune remains identifiable, even whilst partnered with Mozart’s stylistic alterations.
Mozart’s Requiem
Mozart’s requiem was the final piece of music he composed before his death, and remained unfinished when he passed. One of the most recognisable sections is the Lacrimosa sequence, and if the opening string melody seems familiar, it could be due to its recent appearance in McDonalds adverts or from Evanescence’s Lacrymosa, a rock hit that samples the piece.
Queen of the Night aria from The Magic Flute
This famous aria from The Magic Flute is technically demanding with high arpeggios that reach F6. It’s been heavily featured in popular culture, so if you recognise this piece, perhaps it could be from its appearance in the TV series Gossip Girl, films such as Eat, Pray, Love, adverts such as those for Amazon’s Alexa, or maybe even as performed by Bibble in Barbie’s Fairytopia: Mermaidia.
Mozart’s music will once again return to WNO stages across England and Wales this Spring 2025 Season with The Marriage of Figaro. WNO’s period-set production features elegant sets and opulent costumes and has all the ingredients of a classic opera.