The station will play all of Mozart's works throughout the year, just not in a marathon format. "While it may work for some composers, we don't think it would work to play Mozart back to back, 24/7. The overall effect of putting his particular style of music together could be rather samey," said Sian Davis, a spokesman for Radio 3.

The Bach marathon this month and the Beethoven marathon in June were enthusiastically received, but reaction to the decision not to follow suit with Mozart has been less positive.

Anthony Lewis-Crosby, managing director of the London Mozart Players, told the Telegraph, "There is nothing chocolate-boxy about Mozart. It is all wonderful music."