Top 10 Popular Mozart Concertos
By Aaron Green, About.com Guide
Truth be told, Mozart's concertos were top rated for his time, not even Haydn could match their brilliance. Because Mozart's concertos come in a variety of keys and solo instruments, I've put together a small list of popular Mozart concertos. I'm sure they will delight you just as much as they do me!
1. Flute Concerto No. 2 In D Major – K. 314
A wonderfully light concerto worth listening to any time of day.
2. Piano Concerto No. 24 in c minor – K. 491
I love it when Mozart composes in minor keys! This Mozart concerto is powerful and emotional all the while staying within the boundries of the classical period. Its strong recurring themes blend flawlessly with its light orchestrations.
3. Piano Concerto No. 9 in E flat Major – K. 271
Fun, exuberant, lovely, and pleasant are words that come to mind when wanting to describe this concerto. This, being one of Mozart's earlier concertos, follows more closely to the concerto forms mastered by Vivaldi. Still, this concerto is purely Mozart.
4. Piano Concerto No. 17 in G Major – K. 453
This Mozart concerto is quite playful to me, especially the third movement. The orchestra and the piano delightfully ask and answer each other in a way that only Mozart could properly balance.
5. Horn Concerto No. 3 In E-Flat Major – K. 447
It's time to add more variety to the list, and what better way to do so than Mozart's Horn Concerto no. 3? The horn's melodies are calming and relaxing. Normally, I'm not a big fan of horn solos, but Mozart has wonderfully composed an exciting and inviting horn solo.
6. Piano Concerto No. 20 in d minor – K. 466
Another Mozart concerto in a minor key. Many of you will recognize the second movement for it is probably one of his most famous concertos. This one is more subdued in nature compared to Concerto No. 24.
7. Concerto for Flute and Harp in C Major - K. 299
This Mozart concerto opens with a sort of fanfare-esque sequence. Mozart combines the flute and harp for a fresh sound, something our ears aren't used to hearing. This is a beautiful concerto (especially the third movement).
8. Clarinet Concerto in A Major – K. 622
Mozart's Clarinet Concerto in A Major is another one of his most famous concertos. The adagio movement alone can be found on hundreds, if not thousands, of classical albums ranging from popular to relaxing. This concerto is one of Mozart's later works and its form and composition are truly a matured Mozart sound.
9. Violin Concerto No. 4 in D Major – K. 218
This concerto begins very similarly to the Flute and Harp Concerto. The second movement of this concerto is also very popular and easily recognizable. The violin's melodies are deeply lush and beautiful.
10. Piano Concerto No. 27 in B flat Major – K. 595
This concerto is also a later work of Mozart's, one of his last works to be published before his death to be exact. It's a beautiful, balanced blend of piano and orchestra. It's non-abrasive, unobtrusive, and always a pleasure to listen to.
Shared on 12/19/12 from