Stephanie Lyn

Released on September 25, 2024, Mozart’s rediscovered piece “Ganz kleine Nachtmusik” surprises many fans of classical music, and while Mozart is decomposing in his grave, his talent remains so popular that he still manages to compose yet another single.

The year 2024 really is the year of new music— so much so that even someone who’s been dead for 233 years “dropped” a new single. That’s right, the legendary Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756- 1791) composed new music from six feet under.

Classical music has been around for centuries, with many known pieces such as “Für Elise,” “Clair de Lune,” “Lacrimosa,” “Symphony No.5,” and so many others reaching ears today. These pieces are composed and most famously played by Mozart, Beethoven, and Chopin (among many others). They were alive during the Classical Period (1730- 1820), and their pieces have transcended time, to where many are excited when a new single “drops” from them.

Mozart’s new song was released on September 25, originally titled “Serenade in C” and later renamed “Ganz kleine Nachtmusik” which translates to “very little night music.” Researchers discovered this lost manuscript in the Leipzig Municipal Libraries in Germany among his other compositions which are recorded in that library.

“Ganz kleine Nachtmusik” is a 12-minute long piece (per usual for classical music) and it is said that Mozart composed this in his teenage years as it stylistically fits in with his other music compositions from around that time.

With the myriad of new albums and songs dropping in 2024, Mozart’s transcends the others, and here’s why.

Stylistically

This piece specifically spotlights the harmony of a string symphony, with deep and rich tones of strings weaving together to create an ambiance that is reminiscent of ballrooms and dancing. A slight rest in the music paves a shift in tempo and crescendo at around 2:29 where the melody creates a dramatic effect.

The piece itself comprises seven miniature movements, and is played by a string trio. The different depths of the violin, viola, and cello combine together to create a piece that is rich in tone and affluent throughout the music. It’s not just a piece of music, it’s a piece of history.

I’m not trying to criticize other genres of music, but do you see them adding complex string trio melodies? Their synth pop beats could never. 

Length of piece

It’s not often you hear songs longer than five minutes at the most. With Mozart’s new 12 minute piece, you can probably listen to “Ganz kleine Nachtmusik” about 22.5 times while running a marathon. Think of it as motivation for running.

The multiple shifts and tempo changes throughout the span of 12 minutes is a journey itself in the music. I guarantee that you won’t get bored listening to this piece.

No lyrics

I probably wouldn’t recommend this song for karaoke, but the lack of words may be beneficial, especially in the case of studying. The correlation between classical music and focus is significant for lowering anxiety and improving focus. No more instances of accidentally writing down the lyrics of a song rather than what you were supposed to write.

The lack of lyrics also means that there’s no need to restart the song because you missed that one part that got popular. It allows you to focus on the art and beauty that the music itself makes, without the lyrics. 

Sure, words can be emotionally powerful at times, but Mozart managed to bring out these emotions even without words. His music was enough, and that says something.

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Mozart’s new song “Ganz kleine Nachtmusik” is a historical find that many were excited to hear for the first time since it was composed by Mozart himself all those years ago. This discovery along with all the elements of the string pieces is why it should be nominated and won for Song of the Year for the 2025 Grammy Awards. 

I mean, don’t get me wrong, other artists have amazing songs, but this song is just a piece of (Moz)art.