If you love classical piano music, then there is a good chance that you love Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
Even though he lived a relatively short life, he was a prolific composer during his time, creating symphonies, operas, chamber music, and more.
Indeed, people still enjoy his work to this day, and there are people of all skill levels who play his music, like his pieces for the piano.
If you’re wondering where to start, take a look at 12 of the greatest Mozart piano pieces below, and consider tackling them on the piano yourself!
1. Serenade No. 13
There is a good chance that this first piece, Serenade no. 13, is Mozart’s most famous piano work.
It is also known as “Eine kleine Nachtmusik” (A Little Night Music), but there are some who say that Mozart did not intend to give the piece its name.
“Eine kleine Nachtmusik” was originally written for a string quartet, but there are plenty of arrangements that are perfect for the solo piano.
Unfortunately, this piece was not published until after Mozart had already passed away, but his memory lives on in the piece.
2. Sonata In C Major, No. 16
Mozart’s Sonata in C Major is another piece that was not published until after he had already passed away, but it remains one of his most popular songs.
This piece has a distinct melody that will stick in everyone’s minds for a long time after the peace has ended.
The song is sometimes called by its nicknames “Sonata facile” and “Sonata semplice,” meaning “Little piano sonata for beginners.” It’s also one of the most popular pieces among beginner pianists.
3. Sonata No. 11: “Rondo Alla Turca”
You may have heard “Rondo Alla Turca,” also known as “Turkish March,” or even tried to play it yourself. It’s one of Mozart’s most popular piano pieces, especially among children learning piano. The piece was influenced by Turkish Janissary bands, thus the name of the piece.
“Rondo Alla Turca” is structured as a rondo, alternating between the main theme and various other episodes. The variation in the music shows how Mozart pushed the boundaries of accepted musical norms, inspiring many composers who followed. This makes it a landmark piece in classical piano.
4. Requiem In D Minor: “Lacrimosa”
Lacrimosa means “crying” or “weeping,” and the term is appropriate for this piece.
According to legend, Mozart was commissioned by a messenger to write music for his own funeral. Requiem in D Minor is the result, and more specific to this post the section “Lacrimosa.” As the story goes, he passed away while writing it.
Someone else attempted to finish the music and take credit for the composition on his own. The plot was foiled by Mozart’s wife, and it was appropriately attributed to Mozart. Despite this, the piece is no less sad.
5. Don Giovanni
This opera piece, “Don Giovanni,” is widely considered to be one of the greatest pieces ever written for classical piano. It was based on the fictional Spanish character Don Juan, who was also known as Don Giovanni in Italian.
This piece is a perfect demonstration of Mozart’s skills with opera music, as it passes from explosive chords to tender melodies and even a few sad notes in between.
6. The Marriage Of Figaro
Another popular piece from an opera is “The Marriage of Figaro.” It showcases how Mozart could take piano music and join it with some of the most popular operas of the time.
The song comically depicts the love story between two servants, Figaro and Susanna. While Mozart composed the melody, Italian poet Lorenzo Da Ponte was the person behind the lyrics.
“The Marriage of Figaro” is a piece that has a playful, bouncing melody that is representative of the Aria music that was popular back then.
7. Fantasia In D Minor
Fantasia in D Minor is easily one of Mozart’s most popular works and is suitable for intermediate piano players.
It begins with rolling triplets and a slow melody but soon transitions into a happier section as the piece unfolds.
However, the piece is considered incomplete. The original manuscript was never found, leaving it unclear whether Mozart finished it or if the ending was lost over time.
The current conclusion is believed to have been composed by German musician August Eberhard Müller.
8. Piano Concerto No. 24
One of the very few pieces that Mozart wrote in a minor key is the Piano Concerto no. 24, and that makes it one of his most important.
Even though a concerto is meant to be performed with an entire orchestra, you can still learn the solo work on your own.
Reportedly, Ludwig van Beethoven was one of the early admirers of this piece and had a significant influence on him as he wrote his own work.
9. Piano Concerto No. 21
This next piece, the Piano Concerto no. 21, is another of Mozart’s piano pieces that most people will instantly recognize. It has been used in several movies and TV shows.
It is also incredibly challenging, and it shows off all the skills that Mozart had as a composer. The short cadenza will immediately grab the audience’s attention, and it will only build from there.
Even though it is meant to be played with an entire orchestra, the piano music alone is enough to wow just about everyone.
10. Minuet In G
The Minuet in G is the very first piece Mozart ever wrote. He was only five years old when he composed it, making him a clear child prodigy.
It is obvious there is a lot of youthful exuberance in this piece, and you might envision Mozart as a boy writing it.
Mozart would go on to publish hundreds of pieces after he wrote this one, but it remains a favorite among people of all skill levels.
11. Piano Sonata No. 12 In F Major
Mozart was a master of the piano sonata, and the Piano Sonata no. 12 in F Major is one that showcases all his skills. It was written while he was visiting Munich or Vienna.
It is believed, however, that Mozart wrote this piece during the summer of 1783, when he introduced his musician wife, Maria Constanze Cäcilia Josepha Johanna Aloysia Mozart, to his father.
12. The 12 Variations Of “Ah Vous Dirai-je, Maman?”
Last on our list is Mozart’s version of the French children’s song “Ah Vous Dirai-je, Maman?” which translates to “Oh! Shall I tell You, Mama?”
Mozart’s 12 variations made the melody known globally, and it has since been used for other popular nursery rhyme songs, such as the “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star,” “Alphabet Song,” and “Baa, Baa, Blacksheep.”
In this piece, Mozart’s variations on a simple melody show his dedication to experimenting with rhythm, texture, and harmony. It’s popular with children because it’s easy to play and has a memorable melody.
Summing Up Our List Of Great Mozart Piano Pieces
These are just a few of the hundreds of pieces that Mozart wrote for the piano. Even though you might want to listen to as many as you can to try to get a full feel for what he can do, give these compositions a listen first.
Some of them are more difficult than others, so even if you are new to the piano, you may want to tackle a few of them for yourself. Then, you’ll see exactly why Mozart remains one of the most beloved classical piano composers even to this day.
