Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) was born in Salzburg and became one of the most influential composers in the history of Western music. A child prodigy, he composed his first piece at age five and performed before imperial courts by age six. His father Leopold, a violinist and composer at the Salzburg court, recognized Wolfgang's extraordinary talent and arranged extensive European tours with his sister Nannerl from 1763-1766, performing in Munich, Paris, and London. During these travels, Mozart published his first composition in Paris and wrote his first symphony in London. After returning to Salzburg, he was appointed honorary Konzertmeister at age 13. In 1781, following a quarrel with Archbishop von Colloredo, Mozart settled in Vienna as a freelance composer, where he achieved fame but struggled financially. Despite his short life of only 35 years, Mozart composed over 600 works spanning all musical genres of his era. His masterpieces include operas like "The Magic Flute," "Don Giovanni," and "The Marriage of Figaro," his final three symphonies including the Jupiter Symphony, "Eine kleine Nachtmusik," his Clarinet Concerto, and the unfinished Requiem. Along with Joseph Haydn, Mozart perfected the classical forms of symphony, opera, string ensemble, and concerto. His music combined technical brilliance with emotional depth, establishing him as a bridge between the Classical and Romantic periods. Mozart died in Vienna in 1791 under mysterious circumstances, leaving behind a musical legacy that continues to influence composers and captivate audiences worldwide.