Born: 1756, Salzburg, Austria
Died: 1791, Vienna, Austria

"In Germany, we rather like length, but after all it is better to be brief and good."

Mozart ranks alongside Bach and Beethoven as one of the greatest composers in the Western tradition. His music exemplifies the Classical style with its emphasis on form and balance. He composed in every genre, from dances for Vienna's balls to opera for its Imperial Theater, and his more than 600 surviving works amply testify to his genius.

Further listening:

Sinfonia concertante, K. 364 (1779)
Gidon Kremer (violin), Kim Kashkashian (viola), Vienna Philharmonic, Nikolaus Harnoncourt (DG)

Requiem, K. 626 (1791)
BBC Symphony Chorus and Orchestra,
Colin Davis (Philips)

10/07