6. Mozart

The Classical era comes to its highest point with the music of Mozart. Although he only lived to be 35 years old, he nevertheless wrote incredible masterpieces in every type of music: opera, concerto, symphony, string quartet, chamber music… and the list goes on and on.

Mozart has always been something of a “crowd pleaser” with his easily memorable melodies. He was the master at creating both delightful and profound music at the same time: there is a complex, psychological depth to much of his music that is rarely found in Haydn. His music requires greater consideration and focus, but it rewards those who listen to it over and over again.

Mozart’s genius is ultimately dramatic, and his music is filled with endless drama. He took the sonata form to heights it had never seen before and would not see again. His music is perhaps the closest to perfection of any composer.