Eine Kleine Nachtmusik is one of Mozart’s most beloved and enduring pieces of music. Though the origins are not known, it was likely a commissioned work, completed in about August of 1787. It is a serenade, and was written for a small ensemble, though today we usually hear it performed by a full orchestra.

The name comes from Mozart’s own notation in the music, in which he almost certainly was not giving it a special name, but had only noted that he had completed “a little night music,” the direct translation of the name we know it by today. From such humble beginnings, the serenade has become arguably Mozart’s most recognized piece, and one of the most commonly known pieces of music of any era.

For today’s Tuesday Tunes, I give you the piece as it was originally intended.