Mozart
Posthumous 1819 painting of Mozart
In honor of Mozart’s birthday (Jan. 28), this week’s playlist is all-Mozart all-the-time. Even though he’s known as a classical “heavyweight,” you really can’t go wrong with Wolfgang Amadeus where kids are concerned. O.K., you can, but you really have to try. The guy must have had a terrific sense of humor, which you hear on several of these tracks. But the main things about Mozart’s music that make it so wonderful to have is its vitality — those fast movements are so danceable — and the unbelievably beautiful melodies that he regularly serves up. Enjoy!
 
 
  1. Clarinet Concerto, K. 622, third movement, Richard Stolzman soloist.
  2. Overture to The Marriage of Figaro.
  3. “Soave sia il vento” (May the wind be gentle), from Così fan tutte, the Swingle Singers.
  4. Adagio (movement three) from Serenade for 13 Winds, K.361 (“Gran Partita”), Orpheus Chamber Orchestra.
  5. “Rondo alla turca” from A-Major Piano Sonata, K.331, Murray Perahia, piano.
  6. Allegro con spirito (movement one), Symphony No. 35 in D Major.
  7. Allegro (movement one) from Eine kleine Nachtmusik (A Little Night Music), K. 525, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Neville Marriner, cond.