Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

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Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart baptized as Johannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart lived from January 27, 1756 to December 5, 1791. Mozart was a very influential and prolific composer of more than 600 works, including symphonies, concertante, chamber, piano, opera, and choral music. Regarded as a child prodigy, Mozart composed and performed in the European courts from the age of five, and was engaged at the Salzburg court at 17. Mozart’s musical style can be classified as Classical, although he learned from many of his contemporaries throughout his musical career. In order to better understand Mozart’s genius it is best to begin looking at his earliest contributions to the musical world as a child. From there, an exploration of his composition work in the employ of various patrons gives a more rounded picture of the development of Mozart’s musical style. Mozart is one of the most enduring composers, with his work continuing to resonate with modern audiences.

Mozart was born to a deputy Kapellmeister to the court orchestra of the Archbishop of Salzburg. Leopold, Mozart’s father, was also a minor composer and teacher. Mozart’s musical abilities were first noticed when he showed great interest in the music lessons of his older sister. By the age of five, the Mozart family was touring European courts. The young Mozart showed great ability in the playing and composition of small pieces, many of which were transcribed by his father, and survive today. Eventually, Leopold gave up his own composing to concentrate on the talents of his young son. Leopold was also the early teacher of all of Mozart’s studies. After extensive touring from 1762 to 1773, Mozart was given employ at the Salzburg court at the age of 17. There, he had the op...

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...followed him. Besides being a force behind developing the classical style, Mozart’s musical abilities inspired many aspiring musicians. Indeed, Mozart’s work continues to thrill audiences and imitators alike.

Works Cited

"The Mozart Project- Biography." The Mozart Project. mozartproject.org, 25, Apr 1998. Web. 22 Jun 2010. .

"About Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart- Classical Archives." Classical Archives. classicalarchives.com, 2008. Web. 22 Jun 2010.
"Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart." Studio-Mozart. studio-mozart.com, 2000. Web. 22 Jun 2010. .

"Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart- Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia." Wikipedia.org. wikipedia.org, 20 Jun 2010. Web. 22 Jun 2010. .

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