Eine kleine Nachtmusik (Serenade in G Major), K. 525
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Work background
Researched classical background
Eine kleine Nachtmusik is a string serenade whose familiar opening combines a forceful arpeggio with an immediate answering gesture. Its surviving movements include a Romanze, minuet and trio, and a lively finale. Mozart's own catalogue lists five movements, while the usual score contains four. The work's original occasion is not established, despite the social associations of the serenade genre.
A listening guide
Hear the difference between the opening's bold gestures and the more measured phrasing of the Romanze.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Two violins, viola, cello, and bass or string ensemble
Composition: 1787
Four movements survive although Mozart's catalogue recorded five.
This entry describes the musical work or cycle. Composition, premiere and publication dates describe different events. Performers and recordings can be explored through the external listening search.
Also known as: A Little Night Music
Date, title and version notes
The original occasion and the missing movement are not securely established.
Eine kleine Nachtmusik - LA Phil
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Eine kleine Nachtmusik - LA Phil
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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