Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Mozart was born in Salzburg on 27 January 1756 and was born into a musical family. His father Leopold Mozart was a choir master, a minor composer and an experienced teacher. When Mozart's sister Nannerl was seven she began keyboard lessons with her father whilst young Wolfgang watched with fascination. At age 4 Wolfgang himself began keyboard lessons playing without fault and with great sensitivity, and by age five he was composing short pieces which his father wrote down for him. In the following year, Wolfgang and Nannerl began traveling through Europe with their father giving concerts in the courts of Europe. While touring, Mozart learned to play the violin and the organ. At the age of 5, he could read and write music, and he would entertain people with his talents on the keyboard. By the age of six, he was writing his first compositions, and by the age of eight had composed his first symphony.

His skills as a composer continued to develop, and by the age of 13 he had composed his first opera ‘Mitridate, re di Ponto’ for the court of Milan.

His father Leopold, who was also a musician, was quick to see the talent of his young son and became a formidable publicist in showing off his son’s capacities. During his childhood, Mozart was a frequent guest at various palaces around Europe, playing for distinguished guests.

In 1777, he left Salzburg and after travelling to Paris and Germany, he moved permanently to Vienna, Austria where he lived for the remainder of his life. In Vienna, he became one of the most accomplished keyboard players in Vienna and was recognised as an extremely talented composer.

Some of his most famous pieces include ‘Eine Kleine Nachtmusik’ for string orchestra, which means 'A Little Night Music', and ‘Ah vous dirais-je, Maman’ for pianosolo, which is a set of twelve variations on a French tune that Mozart would have known as a young boy. On December 5, 1791, Mozart died at 35 years of age, leaving behind a collection of more than 600 compositions, including works for the symphony, the piano, and the opera. Some of these pieces are considered to be the finest works in the Classical style.

Questions

1. When was Mozart Born?

2. Where was Mozart Born?

3. At what age did Mozart begin keyboard lessons?

4. What other instruments did Mozart learn when touring Europe with his dad and sister?

5. How old was Mozart when he wrote his first symphony?

6. What was the name of Mozart’s first opera?

7. In what year did Mozart leave Salzburg and move to Vienna? 8. Following his death in 1791 how many compositions did he leave behind? 9. What does ‘Eine Kleine Nachtmusik’ mean?

10. What was Mozart’s full name?

Answers

1. 27th January 1756

2. Salzburg

3. 4

4. Violin & Organ

5. 8

6. Mitridate, re di Ponto

7. 1777 8. More than 600 9. A little night music

10. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart