MI:
LIBRARY: PEOPLE:
MOZART
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Jan. 27, 1756 -to- Dec. 5th, 1791
Classical
Mozart's father, Leopald, taught him to play harpsichord, violin, and
organ. Leopald was a pretty successful violinist and composer. As for Mozart, he
was simply a prodigy.
He began composing at age 5 and went on to perform throughout Europe. By age
13, he had written symphonies, concertos, etc. all of which were successful and
would give him the position of concertmaster to the archbishop of Salzburg. This
position never truly satisfied Mozart but in it he wrote one of his first mature
operas.
Mozart would later move to Vienna where he would marry. In Vienna, he also
met Haydn. The two developed a good friendship and Mozart dedicated many works
to him, proving the influence the two held on each other.
Mozart went on to compose the incredibly successful “Marriage of Figaro”
which is to this day held in high regards among opera lovers. In 1787 he became
Court Composer to Joseph II a position in which he wrote many of his elegant
works.
Mozart later died at the young age of 35 as a poor man and a requiem he had
been finishing would be completed by a pupil of his.
