He is considered to be one of the greatest geniuses in his field.

He was born in Salzburg, Austria on 27th January © © SCHOLASTIC LTD 2007

By the age of six, he had mastered the piano and violin. © © 2007 JUPITERIMAGES CORPORATION © © INGRAM PUBLISHING

At the age of six, he was touring Europe as a professional musician with his father and sister. London Munich The Hague Paris Vienna

History remembers him most as a composer. By age 12, he had completed around a hundred compositions.

His death on 5th December 1791 was surrounded in mystery. Some people think he was poisoned by other composers, who were jealous of his talent, but many believe he died from a disease.

Among his most famous works are his operas: The Magic Flute, The Marriage of Figaro, Cosi Fan Tutte and Don Giovanni. © © GBRINK/STOCK.XCHNG

As a youth, he often signed his letters ‘Trazom’ Trazom Dearest sister, I have been to so many interesting places. The sights I have seen! All the people I meet are pleasant enough but often they treat me like I was a servant. I will write again soon. © © NEOPICTURES/STOCK.XCHNG

He is considered by many to be the greatest composer who has ever lived. His music has provided inspiration to other famous composers (such as Beethoven) and is still very popular today. Click on the speaker (left) to listen to a popular piece of his music. © © MUSIC SUPPLIED BY WEST ONE

His first name was Joannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus – later changed to Wolfgang Amadeus – but he is better known by his surname.

Have you guessed who it is yet?

The answer is… Mozart! © PORTRAIT OF THE COMPOSER WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART ( ) (OIL ON CANVAS) BY GRASSI, GIUSEPPE OR JOSEF ( ) GLINKA MUSEUM OF MUSIC CULTURE, MOSCOW, RUSSIA/THE BRIDGEMAN ART LIBRARY

Biography: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Mozart’s father, a court musician, recognised his son’s genius for playing music at a very early age. He took the tiny boy and his sister, Nannerl (also an accomplished musician), to tour the European royal courts. Even as a child, Mozart became respected as a composer. As an adult Mozart refused to work as a musician (which was considered little more than a servant) and concentrated on composing. He and his wife, Constanze, were often in debt as neither were sensible with money. Mozart was often ill and unhappy, but he poured all his love, energy and passion into his music. © COURTESY CHRISTINA BAKER

Biography: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart… continued Mozart has given us some of the world’s most beautiful compositions. In his 35 years, he wrote over 600 pieces of music including operas, symphonies, sonatas, serenades, chamber music, concertos, masses and dances. The brilliance of his music is still appreciated today, over two centuries after his death. © COURTESY CHRISTINA BAKER

Editor – Michelle Guy Designer – Linda Jenkinson-Bennett Words © Christina Baker Acknowledgements