Many have commented that their plans for this year did not include a new song drop from Mozart. These people are uneducated individuals, as you do not call a classical composition a “song”, but instead you refer to it as a “piece”! But it can be agreed that a newly discovered composition from arguably one of the greatest composers of the 18th century is an incredibly interesting discovery. In an effort to organize the chronology and update an index of his works, it was found in the network of Leipzig libraries in Germany. The accidental discovery has interested classical enthusiasts everywhere, and may even contribute to the addition of new Mozart fans.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in Salzburg, Austria in 1756. From his early age, his father Leopold fostered a love of music in the young boy (it could be said that the love was an obsession for both Mozarts, as his father was obsessed with proving the worth of his young son). His status as a child prodigy propelled him into a career as a composer, and throughout his brief life, worked throughout Western Europe composing for the social elite in the big cities (though the majority of his work was done in Vienna). He composed numerous operas, concertos, and symphonies that are listened to daily by people around the world, before he passed away at 35 by mysterious circumstances.
This new piece is titled Ganz Kleine Nachtmusik (translating to “very small night music”), a twelve-minute three piece, between two violins and a cello. It consists of seven sections, called movements. The marche starts is the first movement, in the key of C major (no sharps or flats on the staff), and in 2/4 time, meaning that there are only two total quarter note values in a single measure. For those who are not studied in music, this just means it goes faster, and does not sound too sad, or too lively in regards to having higher note types. It bears a lively and light tune, exclusively performed in the volumes forte and piano. It lasts for about two and a half minutes, and consists of a similar sounding melody repeated twice. Next, we move onto the allegro, which changes the time signature to common time, which is four total quarter note beats in a measure, and equivalent to 4/4 time. It contains a faster melody that is very energetic, and likely has the musicians flying up and down their bows in a lively manner. The allegro is the fastest part of the piece, and therefore the most appealing to a layman listener.
Next comes the minuet, which slows down a bit from the allegro, even though it changes to 3/4 time. It is a jovial and bright melody, with excellent harmonies on the second violin, and sustained notes on the cello. Many eighths upon the two violins. That is followed by the polonaise, a term that is used to describe Polish folk dances. It is a dancing tune, with the time signature staying in 3/4, and a present utilization of many eighth notes across all three sections. Then the next three movements are (in order) the adagio, second minuet, and the finale. The adagio and finale are in 2/4 time, while the second minuet remains in the 3/4 time. There is not much to say about these parts, as they all keep similar tunes within the same two key signatures: C and F major, which are periodically changed throughout each movement. That theme is kept constant within the latter three movements. The movements altogether motivate listeners to engage in a waltz of quick movements. The dance that this composition makes one imagine is lively, and laden with pirouettes and wonderful movements. Quite a nice little thing indeed.
Overall, the new piece from Mozart is not as grand as his operas or concertos, but it is a nice, simple, and convivial composition that is fun to play and hear. I recommended that you listen to the piece yourself, and perhaps form your own conclusions about its worth and quality. It likely was a sketch, or a patron work, but composed well, and enjoyed by listeners all these years later!
