At the age of 268, Mozart published a piece called Ganz kleine Nachtmusik, otherwise known as Little Night Music. This long-lost piece was found in the libraries of Leipzig Municipal in Germany, on September 26th, sparking excitement in the music world. It was originally called “Serenade in C” but was published under the new catalog Ganz kleine Nachtmusik. It is uncertain when exactly Mozart wrote this piece, but experts estimate that he composed it in his teenage years—around our age! Can you imagine the talent it took to compose a piece of music at around 13 years old, that would be celebrated centuries later?
Researchers say that this manuscript (consisting of dark brown ink on handmade paper) was discovered when they were compiling the latest edition of the Köchel catalog: a chronological list of Mozart’s compositions that serves to organize Mozart’s vast body of work. Originally a string trio, Ganz kleine Nachtmusik is composed of seven miniature pieces. The piece is around 12 minutes long, capturing the essence of youth and creativity that defined Mozart’s early work (dated around the 1760s).
Soon after this piece was published, two violinists and a cello player (Vincent Geer, David Geer, Elizabeth Zimmerman) from the youth symphony orchestra of the Leipzig School of Music performed it at the Leipzig Opera. This piece communicates a joyful and enchanting vibe, reflected in the first movement, written in Allegro – a fast and lively tempo. The four movements capture an uplifting spirit, reminding us of the uniqueness Mozart embodied in his early works. As we listen to this piece, we can recognize how creativity happens at all ages. Don’t be shy to express yourself, whether it’s through paintings, music, or even writing!
Fun Fact: On the manuscript, Mozart signed his name as “Wolfgang Mozart” instead of including his middle name, “Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart,” which he started doing when he was thirteen years old.
Here’s the link if you want to listen: W.A. Mozart – Serenade ex C – Ganz kleine Nachtmusik KV648 (official release)
