Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart 1756-1791

Mozart - Child Prodigy Born in Salzburg, Austria on January 27th, 1756 His birthplace is now a Mozart museum Was competent on keyboard and violin by the age of 5. Started composing and performing for royalty at that time. He was well traveled by the time he was a young man, and had met many royal families throughout his travels. He met Johann Sebastian Bach during a visit to London. His first symphony was composed at 8 years old. He became a court musician in Salzburg at age 17. Settled in Vienna (the capital of Austria) as a freelance performer and composer.

Mozart in Vienna Mozart met and befriended Joseph Haydn around 1784. They played impromptu string quartets together, and Mozart dedicated six quartets to Haydn. Haydn said of Mozart to his father: “I tell you before God, and as an honest man, your son is the greatest composer known to me by person and repute, he has taste and what is more the greatest skill in composition.” Mozart and his wife Constanze had 6 children, of whom only two survived infancy. They lived a rather lavish lifestyle, living in an expensive apartment and buying expensive instruments. They didn’t save money, which later caused much hardship for the Mozarts.

Mozart’s Later Years Mozart ceased to perform publicly, and his financial situation worsened. In 1791, Mozart produced some of his most famous works, and his financial situation began to improve. He fell in Prague, Czechoslovakia, and became bedridden, suffering from swelling, pain and vomiting. He died on December 5th, 1971. He was buried in a common grave, which was an individual grave for a “common” person. There were memorial services and concerts in Vienna and Prague; Mozart’s popularity rose. His body was lost; no one knows where he is officially buried.

Mozart By The Numbers Mozart composed in the classical style (very similar to Haydn) and wrote over 600 pieces. He wrote: 21 Operas 15 Masses (Catholic services set to music) 50 Symphonies 25 Piano Concertos 12 Violin Concertos 17 Piano Sonatas 26 String Quartets 27 Concert Arias (Stand alone pieces for a solo vocalist)

Eine Kleine Nachtmusik Mozart’s Music Eine Kleine Nachtmusik Symphony No. 40 – Mvt. I

The Marriage of Figaro - Overture Mozart’s Music The Marriage of Figaro - Overture Rondo alla Turca

Lacrimosa from Requiem Mozart’s Music Lacrimosa from Requiem Ave Verum Corpus

Variations on Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star Mozart’s Music Symphony No. 25 – Mvt. I Variations on Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

Mozart’s Music Queen of the Night Aria from The Magic Flute Violin Concerto No. 4 – Mvt. I Queen of the Night Aria from The Magic Flute