Mozart represents the pinnacle of music in the Classical era (c1750-c1820). While he was no revolutionary like Beethoven, he paved the way for a more ambitious scale of work (eg his 39th and 41st symphonies were among the longest and most sophisticated written at that time – late 1780s). He also explored much more intricate harmonic structures which later composers like Beethoven would take even further. His study of Baroque music (and especially Bach) meant that he mastered fugue and counterpoint to a degree unheard of in the Classical time.

He developed the form of the piano concerto way beyond that of earlier keyboard concertos and he ‘invented’ the forms of the piano quartet and piano quintet. Mozart was also responsible for recognising the capabilities and possibilities of the then fledgling clarinet, helping to popularise it and earn it a regular place in the orchestra.

His influence has been immense. Not only did Beethoven revere him but countless composers since have cited Mozart as a profound influence on their work.

he defined classical music…i’m not a mozart expert…but he probably influenced the romantic era…he just has great and very memorable melodies