Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
( Jan. 27, 1756 - Dec. 5, 1791) Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born on January 27, 1756 in Salzburg, Austria. At the age of 3, His father was teaching his sister the Harpsicord, (an early variation of the Piano.) While the father and sister were talking, little Mozart stepped up to the fine intrument. He showed much skill. He could play hyms and began making up tunes of his own. He started composing at the age of 5 and was preforming before European royalty. In 1781, Mozart was dismissed from his Salzburg position and decided to stay in the capital (Vienna) and achieved fame but little finacial security. While trying to compose the Requiem Mass in D Minor, He worked himself ragged. Before finishing the requiem, Mozart died on Dec. 5, 1791.
Mozart composed over 600 peices.
He made:
- Requiems (A piece of music that is composed and played for and at funerals)
- Operas (A play where the storyline is all sung. It has dramatic costumes, beautiful music, elaborate scenery, and LOTS of make-up)
- Symphonies (A large group of instruments coming together to play a peice or pieces of music)
- Concertos (A peice played usually in three parts and has a solo instrument; for example, a Piano or Violin)
- Chamber Music ( Written for a small group of instruments and traditionally could be accommodated in a palace chamber)
- He played the Piano (An instrument that is rather large and has a wide variety of keys)
- Choral Music (A piece or pieces written for an ensemble of choir members, or a Choir, to sing)
Mozart had many famous pieces including Symphony No.40.
He was so successful that even Ludwig Van Beethtoven wrote his early compositions in the shadow of Mozart! His music has enriched our understanding of music. His music was light and graceful along with dark and passionate.
Other Interesting Facts:
- Mozart had a wife named Constanze and two sons.
- Mozart composed many of his best peices during his last few years in Vienna, Austria
- Joseph Hydn commented on Mozart saying, "Prospeirity will not see such talent again in 100 years."
(Below: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart)
*credit to Wikipedia
