Birth and Early Life: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born on January 27, 1756, in Salzburg, Austria, to Leopold and Anna Maria Mozart. His father, Leopold, was a composer and music teacher, and he quickly recognized Wolfgang’s extraordinary musical talent. By the age of three, Mozart was already playing the piano, and by five, he had begun composing his own pieces.
Why He Was Called a Music Prodigy: Mozart was considered a prodigy because of his exceptional musical ability from a very young age. By the time he was six, he was performing before European royalty, showcasing his abilities on the piano and violin. He composed his first symphony at the age of eight and his first opera at eleven. His precocity and the quality of his compositions astonished audiences and fellow musicians alike, earning him the reputation of a musical genius.
Early Work and Life in Various Cities
Salzburg: Mozart spent much of his early life in Salzburg, where his father was employed as a court musician. Despite his early travels, Salzburg was his home base for many years. During this time, Mozart composed a wide variety of music, including symphonies, sonatas, and sacred music. However, he found the city’s musical life stifling and longed for broader opportunities.
Munich: In 1777, Mozart traveled to Munich in search of employment but was unsuccessful. Despite the lack of a permanent position, he continued to compose and perform, with some of his work gaining recognition. His opera “La finta giardiniera,” performed in Munich in 1775, was well received and showcased his developing operatic style.
Mannheim: Mozart’s visit to Mannheim in 1777-78 was crucial in his development as a composer. Mannheim was home to one of the best orchestras in Europe, and Mozart was deeply influenced by its musicians. During his stay, he composed several works, including the “Mannheim symphonies,” and met the Weber family, with whom he would later have a significant connection.
Paris: Mozart’s stay in Paris in 1778 was marked by personal and professional challenges. Although he composed several significant works during this time, including the “Paris Symphony” (Symphony No. 31), he struggled to find a stable position. The death of his mother, who had accompanied him on this journey, added to his difficulties. Despite the challenges, his music continued to impress audiences, and the “Paris Symphony” was particularly well received.
Vienna: Mozart moved to Vienna in 1781, where he spent the rest of his life. Vienna was a cultural hub, and Mozart quickly established himself as one of the city’s leading composers. His time in Vienna was highly productive, with many of his most famous works composed during this period. He enjoyed the patronage of Emperor Joseph II and became a key figure in the city’s musical life.
Famous Works
Piano Concertos: Mozart’s piano concertos are among his most celebrated works. Some of the most famous include:
- Piano Concerto No. 20 in D minor, K. 466: Known for its dramatic intensity and rich orchestration, it was a favorite of Beethoven.
- Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major, K. 467: Also known as the “Elvira Madigan” concerto, it is celebrated for its lyrical beauty, particularly the slow movement.
- Piano Concerto No. 23 in A major, K. 488: This concerto is noted for its elegance and the expressive depth of its slow movement.
Choral Pieces: Mozart’s choral music is equally revered. Some of his most famous choral works include:
- Requiem in D minor, K. 626: Left unfinished at his death, this work is one of Mozart’s most profound and powerful compositions.
- Mass in C minor, K. 427: Known as the “Great Mass,” it is one of his most ambitious sacred works, although it, too, was left incomplete.
- Ave Verum Corpus, K. 618: A short but exquisite piece, it is a staple of choral repertoire.
Operas: Mozart’s operas are considered some of the greatest in the history of Western music. His most famous operas include:
- The Marriage of Figaro (Le nozze di Figaro), K. 492: A brilliant comedy with a strong social message, it was initially met with enthusiasm in Vienna.
- Don Giovanni, K. 527: A dark and complex opera blending comedy and tragedy, it was well received in Prague and remains one of his most performed works.
- The Magic Flute (Die Zauberflöte), K. 620: A singspiel combining folk and Masonic themes, it became an immediate success and has remained a beloved piece.
Reception by the Court and Audience
Mozart’s work was generally well received by audiences, particularly in Vienna, where he enjoyed considerable popularity. His operas, in particular, were celebrated for their innovation, dramatic depth, and musical complexity. However, his relationship with the court was more complicated. While he received some patronage, he often struggled to secure stable employment and felt undervalued by the aristocracy.
Last Years in Vienna
Mozart’s last years in Vienna were marked by both professional success and personal hardship. Despite producing some of his greatest works, including the “Requiem” and “The Magic Flute,” he faced financial difficulties and health problems. His final years were a period of intense creativity, but his financial situation deteriorated, leading to considerable stress. He died on December 5, 1791, at the age of 35, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence classical music to this day.
Mozart was laid to rest in a common grave, and as a result, his remains have never been found, nor does he have a dedicated gravesite. However, his music and extraordinary talent remain an enduring legacy that will last forever. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is regarded as one of the greatest composers in history.
-Nguyễn Tường Khanh-
*****