Wolfgang Mozart was born on 27 January 1756, in Salzburg, in what is now Austria. Mozart's father, Leopold, was the deputy Kapellmeister to the court of the Archbishop. He was also a well known teacher, who published a book of how to play Violin on the year Wolfgang was born. From the instant he laid his fingers on the clavier, his family knew he would be good. By the age of five, young Mozart had already composed small pieces, which he played for his father.
Mozart's father gave up composing when Wolfgang's talent became evident. As well as teaching them to play the keyboard and write music, he also taught them languages and other academic subjects.
Early Years
From 1762–1773, Mozart made great travels around europe, playing and on tour. One great influence to Mozart was Johann Christian Bach, whom he met in London. While in Rome, Mozart heard Gregorio Allegri's Miserere, which he adored. After hearing it just one time in the Sistine Chapel, he scribed out the entire thing all from memory, only to correct a few minor errors.
In Milan, Mozart wrote Mitridate Rè di Ponto, which as a success. Near the end of his Italian tour, Mozart wrote cantata "Exsultate, jubilate", K. 165, which is a work of his that is still performed today.
Middle Years
In December 1771, Mozart, accompanied with only his mother, began a tour of Europe, including Munich, Mannheim,and then where in Paris, his mother Died.
Mozart met great musicians when he was on his travels, including Haydn and Bach. He also highly admired the glass harmonica that Benjamin Franklin created, that he later wrote several small pieces for it. In 1781, Mozart visited Vienna and the next year, he married Constanze Weber, which was against his fathers wishes. Together, they had six children, of which only two survived infancy. Neither of the two would ever marry, or have children.
Later Years
Mozart became a Freemason during adulthood, and would work greatly to convince his father to do the same before his death. During his later life, Mozart had financial troubles, as well as troubles with his health. Sometimes, he would be unpaid, and when paid, his money would last little for he would spend it quickly. In 1786, Mozart composed Le nozze di Figaro in his apartment.
Mozart's cause of illness and death are still disputed, for on the records, the details were very stark, and gave little information. Mozart died when he was working on his final piece, The Requiem. His death was a great shock to his friends and family. He was buried in a regular grave at St Marx cemetery, on 7 December.
Facts
| |
|
|
| Titled, "Mozarts geburtshaus", meaning "Mozart's Birth house" at Getreidegasse 9, Salzburg, Austria. | Mozart's wife, Constanze. | This is a portrait of Mozart's family. |