Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is among the most significant and enduringly popular composers of European classical music and is widely regarded as one of history's greatest composers. His works today are still regarded as among some of the most well know and beloved classical music. He is a timeless figure, whose music is widely recognized as masterpieces of the classical style.
Wolfgang was born in Salzburg, Austria to Leopold and Anna Maria Pertl Mozart. He was baptized catholic the day after his birth at St. Rupert's Cathedral. Records do not clearly state how many siblings Wolfgang had, however there is significant evidence that provides to him having an older sister, Maria Anna. Mozart's musical ability became apparent when he was about three years old. His father Leopold was one of Europe's leading musical teachers. Wolfgang received intensive musical training from his father, including instruction in both clavier and the violin.
Mozart, about 1780. Detail of Mozart family portra...
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's compositions characteriz...
The above is regarded by historians as the most ac...At the age of five, Wolfgang composed his first piece and when he was six, he played before the Bavarian elector and the Austrian empress. Leopold then realized that he mite be able to make a substantial income by showcasing his son's God-given genius. In 1763, the Mozart family set out on a tour that took them to Paris, London, and other courts. Wolfgang soon gained fame as a musical prodigy capable of such feats as playing blindfolded or competently improvising at length on other composer's pieces. On several occasions Wolfgang became very ill. However, Leopold did not seem to care for the well being of his son, rather he was more concerned with the loss income.
Accompanied by his mother, in 1777, Wolfgang began another tour of Europe that included Pair, Munich, and Mannheim. Unfortunately, Wolfgang's mother only made it to Pair before her death. In 1781, Wolfgang visited...