Mozart, less a classic than a harbinger of Romanticism

Le Regard Libre N° 79 - Jean-David Ponci

I'm a little embarrassed to think that Mozart is the classical composer par excellence, as opposed to the Baroque or Romantic composers. The word «classical» evokes regularity and order. But there's something original, profound and authentic in Mozart's music that doesn't quite fit in with classicism. This article, based on a lecture by pianist Jean-François Zygel, describes the subtle processes that explain Mozart's pre-Romanticism.

Mozart is one of the leading exponents of "musique galante", i.e. easy-listening music that can be used as background music for routine tasks. The repetition of the theme and the clarity and brevity of the melody make it possible to follow this kind of work without too much concentration. The galant style is music for the classroom, conducive to conversation.