The history and influence of Mozart

Essay by jokggaUniversity, Bachelor'sA+, September 2006

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As the Baroque period ended, a new style emerged which would introduce some of the most significant composers in history. The Classical period fell between the Baroque and the Romantic periods. Among its composers were Joseph Haydn, Ludwig van Beethoven, and most importantly Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Mozart is unarguably the most prominent composers of the classical period. Many of Mozart's works are widely recognized as masterpieces of the classical period and show his enormous gift in music.

Born in the city of Salzburg on January 27th, 1756; Mozart's innate musical abilities became noticeable when he was only three years old. Receiving intense musical training from his father, who was one of Europe's leading musical pedagogues. Mozart was trained in several instruments, the clavier, the violin, and the organ. By age five, Mozart had mastered his first piano piece, which took him a mere 30 minutes. It was at that time that Mozart started to play the violin and the organ for his father's professional quartet.

By age 6, Mozart was on tour with his father playing for Maria Theresa.

All of the basic traits of classical music can be identified in Mozart's music. Clarity, balance, transparency, and uncomplicated harmonic language are all his trademark traits that made classical music what it is. Mozart had a gift for pure, simple, and memorable melody which many composers did not have. Mozart's own stylistic development molded the classical style. In addition, Mozart wrote in almost every major genre, including symphony, opera, and the solo concerto. (http://www.wikipedia.org/)

Mozart wrote his first symphony at 8 years of age. Such a talented musical ability at a young age made many suspicious of his talent, and many people thought that Mozart's father was behind the writing of Mozart's works. However, Mozart was able to prove the...