Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was not only one of the greatest composers of the Classical period, but one of the greatest of all time. Surprisingly, he is not identified with radical formal or harmonic innovations, or with the profound kind of symbolism heard in some of Bach's works. Mozart's best music has a natural flow and irresistible charm, and can express humor, joy or sorrow with both conviction and mastery. His operas, especially his later efforts, are brilliant examples of high art, as are many of his piano concertos and later symphonies. Even his lesser compositions and juvenile works feature much attractive and often masterful music.
Mozart was the last of seven children, of whom five did not survive early childhood. By the age of three he was playing the clavichord, and at four he began writing short compositions. Young Wolfgang gave his first public performance at the age of five at Salzburg University, and in January 1762, he performed on harpsichord for the Elector of Bavaria. There are many astonishing accounts of the young Mozart's precocity and genius. At the age of seven, for instance, he picked up a violin at a musical gathering and sight-read the second part of a work with complete accuracy, despite his never having had a violin lesson.
In the years 1763-1766, Mozart, along with his father Leopold, a composer and musician, and sister Nannerl, also a musically talented child, toured London, Paris, and other parts of Europe, giving many successful concerts and performing before royalty. The Mozart family returned to Salzburg in November 1766. The following year young Wolfgang composed his first opera, Apollo et Hyacinthus. Keyboard concertos and other major works also came from his pen.
In 1769, Mozart was appointed Konzertmeister at the Salzburg Court by the Archbishop. Beginning that same year, the Mozarts made three tours of Italy, where the young composer studied Italian opera and produced two successful efforts, Mitridate and Lucio Silla. In 1773, Mozart was back in Austria, where he spent most of the next few years composing. He wrote all his violin concertos between 1774 and 1777, as well as Masses, symphonies, and chamber works.
In 1780, Mozart wrote his opera Idomeneo, which became a sensation in Munich. After a conflict with the Archbishop, Mozart left his Konzertmeister post and settled in Vienna. He received a number of commissions and took on a well-paying but unimportant Court post. In 1782 Mozart married Constanze Weber and took her to Salzburg the following year to introduce her to his family. 1782 was also the year that saw his opera Die Entführung aus dem Serail staged with great success.
In 1784, Mozart joined the Freemasons, apparently embracing the teachings of that group. He would later write music for certain Masonic lodges. In the early and mid-1780s, Mozart composed many sonatas and quartets, and often appeared as soloist in the 15 piano concertos he wrote during this period. Many of his commissions were for operas now, and Mozart met them with a string of masterpieces. Le nozze di Figaro came 1786, Don Giovanni in 1787, Così fan tutte in 1790, and Die Zauberflöte in 1791. Mozart made a number of trips in his last years, and while his health had been fragile in previous times, he displayed no serious condition or illness until he developed a fever of unknown origin near the end of 1791.
© Robert Cummings /TiVo
Similar artists
-
Duets (Electronic Version)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Nologo
Electronic - Released by Electro Roma on 8/05/2022
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
The Greatest Mozart Collection Ever Made
Classical - Released by Big Eye Music on 1/07/2008
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Fugues and Gigues (Electronic Version)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Nologo
Electronic - Released by Electro Roma on 20/04/2023
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Maestros de la musica clasica - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Classical - Released by Open Records on 30/11/1999
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Mozart: Serenade 'Eine Kleine Nachtmusik' K. 525
Herbert von Karajan, Berliner Philharmoniker
Classical - Released by Sunday Club Records on 25/09/2013
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Lost in Music (Electronic Version)
Nologo, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Electronic - Released by Electro Roma on 23/06/2023
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Mozart: Night Music
Sir Colin Davis, The Philharmonia Orchestra
Classical - Released by Golden Valley on 15/04/2013
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Mozart: Night Music
The Philharmonia Orchestra, Sir Colin Davis
Classical - Released by Violet Hill Records on 15/04/2013
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo