Will Listening to Mozart Make You Smarter?
You’ve probably heard of the Mozart Effect. It’s the concept that exposing your children to Mozart compositions from an early age will promote healthy brain development, in turn making your young ones (even) more intelligent.
Studies have also shown that even as an adult, listening to classical music can benefit your brain, sleep patterns, immune system as well as decrease stress.
So what is it about classical music — Mozart in particular — that improves cognitive function? Is it the complexity of the music? The mathematical patterns in the composition? I’m no scientist, but from a small study conducted on a willing participant (i.e. myself), I have found that when I need to focus, classical music truly helps. I can’t say it enhanced my intelligence, but it definitely promoted productivity!
I’ve trawled through many articles and studies concerning this Mozart Effect, and although there is great debate surrounding the physiological benefits of classical music on the brain, one result seems to have universal support. The brains of those people listening to classical music exhibited changes indicative of greater levels of relaxation, and resulted in increased focus.
So, when it comes down to it, playing your kids Mozart on a daily basis may not make them the next Einstein, but it may well encourage a more relaxed household. It could also be the beginning of a lifelong love of classical music.
Below is a list of my favourite Mozart recordings that you can play to your children (or next time you need to study for an exam or are on a deadline to finish a report!)
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 23 in A major KV 488
Herbert von Karajan, Philharmonia Orchestra, Walter Gieseking
‘A major’ is said to be Mozart’s favourite, and this piano concerto is one of his most memorable compositions in this key. In true Mozart form, this piece is full of musical juxtapositions. It’s both light and dark, happy and sad, fast and slow. I really like the haunting second movement, it is slow and intense, sandwiched between two faster, lighter movements. Karajan’s interpretation with the Philharmonia and the brilliant Walter Gieseking on piano is a real winner for me.
Symphony No. 41 in C major KV 551
Karl Böhm, Berliner Philharmoniker
If there is one Symphony that encapsulates the complexity and ambition of Mozart’s music, this is it. The last Symphony Mozart ever composed is highly technical, and if you have to listen to only one part of this masterpiece, choose the finale: it is breathtaking. I personally favor this recording from 1962 with Karl Böhm and the Berliner Philharmoniker, however, you should compare it to George Szell’s interpretation with the Cleveland Orchestra, which is slightly slower. Decide for yourself which recording you prefer!
Ave verum corpus KV 618
Herbert von Karajan, Philharmonia Orchestra, Singverein der Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde in Wien
At only 46 bars long, this short motet (a choral musical composition) was composed in the last year of Mozart’s life for a church near Vienna. Both Liszt and Tchaikovsky loved this piece of music so dearly that they independently made several arrangements of it. Tchaikovsky even used it as part of his orchestral suite ‘Mozartiana’.
Le nozze di Figaro KV 492 (overture)
Carlo Maria Giulini, Philharmonia Orchestra, Philharmonia Chorus
Mozart was a humourous man, and if you have seen The Marriage of Figaro you will understand the comedic gold of this opera. It’s a classic love-story, with much trickery, mistaken identity, and, naturally, a handful of practical jokes. The Overture in particular is cheerful and light-hearted. I find it particularly pleasant to listen to if I need to focus on something I don’t particularly want to do. Also, I challenge you to refrain from bobbing your head to the music between 1.58–2.03 minutes.
Sonata for Piano No. 11 in A major KV 331 (Alla Turca. Allegretto)
I find solo piano pieces the best recordings to write to, rather than a grand orchestral work, which has more distractions. The Sonata for Piano No. 11 was made famous by its final movement the “alla Turca” or the “Turkish March” which is written in the percussive Turkish style that was popular in Vienna in Mozart’s time because of the Turkish Janissary bands who would play on the streets. It’s another light, cheery, head-boppy tune, and if you’re planning on transforming your kids into Mozart aficionados, this would make a great starting point!
