Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (27 January 1756 - 5 December 1791) stands as one of the most influential and prolific composers in Western music history. Baptized Joannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart, he was an Austrian prodigy whose works span operas, symphonies, concertos, chamber music, and sacred compositions, totaling over 600 pieces.[1][2][4]
With Joseph Haydn and Ludwig van Beethoven, Mozart elevated the Viennese Classical school to its zenith, blending emotional depth with structural elegance. His music, marked by vivid expression and sophisticated textures, continues to captivate audiences worldwide.[1][3]
Early Life and Prodigious Talent
Born in Salzburg in the archbishopric of Salzburg (now Austria), Mozart was the sole surviving son of Leopold Mozart, a composer, violinist, and noted instructor, and Anna Maria Pertl. He was the seventh and last child; five siblings died in infancy, making his birth a consolation to his parents.[1][3][5]
Under Leopold's rigorous training, Mozart and sister Nannerl displayed extraordinary gifts. By age five, Wolfgang composed his first pieces, recorded in the Nannerl Notenbuch. At six, he performed publicly on keyboard and violin, astonishing European courts.[4][5]
- 1762: Debut at imperial court in Vienna.
- 1763-1766: Extended tour of western Europe, including Paris (first published work) and London (first symphony composed at age eight).[1]
- 1768: First opera, the German Singspiel Bastien und Bastienne.
Middle Period: Salzburg and Travels
Returning to Salzburg in 1766, Mozart honed his craft, composing symphonies, sonatas, and sacred music. At 13, he became honorary Konzertmeister at the Salzburg court; by 14, salaried concertmaster under Archbishop Colloredo.[1][2]
Dissatisfied with Salzburg's constraints and low pay, Mozart sought opportunities abroad. In 1777, he traveled to Mannheim and Paris with his mother, who tragically died there of typhus. Despite acclaim as a pianist, no permanent post emerged. Back in Salzburg as court organist, he produced masses and symphonies until 1781.[2][3]
"In Paris, he adopted the name Wolfgang Amadé Mozart, which he used thereafter."[2]
Vienna Years and Maturity
In 1781, Mozart boldly resigned from Salzburg service during a Vienna visit, becoming one of the first freelance musicians. He thrived as a piano virtuoso, teacher, and composer, marrying singer Constanze Weber in 1782. Of their seven children, only two survived.[2][3]
Appointed Emperor Joseph II's chamber composer in 1787, Mozart composed dances for court balls while pursuing ambitious projects amid financial struggles. He joined Freemasonry in 1784, influencing works like Maurerische Trauermusik
Major Works
Mozart excelled across genres. His operas revolutionized the form with profound character psychology; symphonies achieved grandeur and balance.[1][4]
| Genre | Key Works | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opera | The Marriage of Figaro | 1786 | Italian opera buffa[1] |
| Opera | Don Giovanni | 1787 | Dramatic masterpiece[1] |
| Symphony | Jupiter Symphony (No. 41) | 1788 | Final symphony[1] |
| Motet | Exsultate, Jubilate, K. 165 | 1773 | Early vocal triumph[1] |
| Requiem | Requiem in D minor, K. 626 | 1791 (unfinished) | Composed on deathbed[3] |
Death and Legacy
Mozart died at 35 in Vienna, likely from illness, buried in a pauper's grave amid debts. His Requiem remained incomplete. Today, he is revered as a genius whose innovations shaped classical music.[1][3]
Did you know? Mozart wrote his first symphony at eight, an oratorio at eleven, and joined the court orchestra at 15-milestones that propelled his meteoric rise.[5]
Life Timeline Graph
A visual overview of Mozart's milestones (ASCII representation):
1791 Death (35) ─┐
│ Requiem
1788 Jupiter ───┼── Symphonies peak
1787 Don G. ────┼── Chamber Composer
1786 Figaro ────┼── Marriage (1782)
1781 Vienna ────┼── Freelance
1777 Travel ────┼── Mother dies
1769 Salzburg ──┼── Konzertmeister
1763 Tour ──────┼── Prodigy tours
1756 Birth ─────└── Salzburg
|<─── 0 10 20 30 Years ────>|