Mozart’s Top 10 Works

By WFMT |

Share this Post

blue portrait of Mozart with a 10 and text "top ten" superimposed

It’s a nearly impossible task. Picking a favorite, a top 5, or a top 100 out of Mozart's immense catalog of music is no small feat, and it’s not one that any single person could do by themself. That’s why we turned to all WFMT hosts, producers, staff, and more to weigh in on their best-loved Mozart pieces and recordings. We hope you’ll enjoy our ranking of Mozart’s top 10 works.


11
Great Mass in C Minor
K. 427/417a, written 1783 (tie)

WFMT music director Oliver Camacho says:

When looking for a great recording of the Mass in C minor, it’s all about the Soprano I soloist who sings the Kyrie and Et incarnatus est. Luckily there are many outstanding recordings to choose from. One of the recordings I recommend is Barbara Bonney with Claudio Abbado and the Berlin Philharmonic for purity of tone and immaculate intonation.

11
Horn Concerto No. 4 in E-flat Major
K. 495, written 1786 (tie)
Essential Recording:
8
Symphony No. 40 in G Minor
K. 550, written 1788
WFMT Program Host Kerry Frumkin's recommended recording:
7
Eine kleine Nachtmusik, Serenade No. 13
K. 525, written 1787 (tie)
Essential Recording:
7
“Gran Partita” Serenade No. 10 for Winds in B-flat Major
K. 361/370a, written 1781 (tie)
WFMT Music Database Assistant Tad Hassa's essential recording:
5
Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute)
K. 620, written 1791
WFMT Music Director Oliver Camacho's essential recording:
4
Don Giovanni
K. 527, written 1787
WFMT production assistant Weston Williams's essential recording:
3
Requiem
K. 626, written 1791

Weston Williams, WFMT production assistant, says: 

The Harnoncourt Requiem recording is a favorite! 

2
Jupiter Symphony No. 41 in C Major
K. 551, written 1788
Essential Recording:
1
Le nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro)
K. 492, written 1786

WFMT music director Oliver Camacho says: 

It is nearly impossible to beat the cast assembled for the Decca recording of Figaro conducted by Georg Solti. Kiri Te Kanawa, a luscious and tragic Countess at the peak of her expressive powers; Lucia Popp with perfect intonation and sparkle in her voice as Susanna; Frederica von Stade (has there ever been a more charming Cherubino?); Samuel Ramey — another iconic American singer with an unmistakable tone — as Figaro; and Thomas Allen as an erudite, determined Count. There are more stylish and briskly paced sets that have come out since its 1982 release, but none with such a deep roster of greats.

Essential Recording:
Enjoy the full playlist!

ALSO RECEIVING VOTES:

Piano Concerto No. 24 in C Minor, K. 491
Symphony No. 39 in E-flat Major, K. 543
Così fan tutte, K. 588
Clarinet Concerto, K. 622

Responses have been edited for length and clarity.