## Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: A Detailed Biography
### 1. Early Life
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born on January 27, 1756, in Salzburg, which was then part of the Holy Roman Empire and is now Austria. He was the youngest of seven children, five of whom died in infancy. His full baptismal name was Johannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart. His father,
Leopold-Mozart, was a minor composer and an experienced teacher. Recognizing early the extraordinary talent of his son, Leopold dedicated much of his time to Wolfgang's education, teaching him both music and academic subjects.
Mozart showed prodigious ability from his earliest childhood. Already competent on keyboard and violin, he composed from the age of five and performed before European royalty. At the age of six, Mozart and his elder sister
Maria-Anna-Mozart, nicknamed Nannerl, embarked on a series of European tours to perform as child prodigies, visiting courts in Munich, Paris, London, The Hague, and Zurich.
### 2. Career
Mozart’s career is typically divided into three periods: early (1761-1773), middle (1773-1781), and late (1781-1791). During the early period, under his father’s guidance, Mozart extensively toured Europe and played for various courts and patrons. By the time he was 17, he was appointed as a court musician in Salzburg but grew restless and traveled in search of a better position, visiting Vienna in 1781.
In Vienna, Mozart's mature career flourished. He achieved great fame and financial success by composing and performing. His works from this period included operas, symphonies, sonatas, chamber works, masses, and concertos, which were often characterized by their sophistication and expressive depth. He was particularly noted for his operas, such as "The Marriage of Figaro" (1786), "Don Giovanni" (1787), and "Così fan tutte" (1790), which are landmarks in the history of the genre.
### 3. Notable Achievements
Mozart’s output is immense, comprising over 600 works. Some of his most notable achievements include:
- **Symphony No. 41 in C major (Jupiter Symphony)**: Known for its quality, complexity, and a magnificent final movement.
- **Requiem Mass in D minor**: One of his most profound works, left unfinished at his death.
- **The Magic Flute**: An opera that combines humanistic values with enchanting music.
- **Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major**: Famous for its beautiful and lyrical second movement.
Mozart significantly shaped classical music, influencing composers for generations. His ability to synthesize diverse musical influences into a coherent and mature style was unparalleled.
### 4. Personal Life
Mozart married
Constanze-Weber in 1782. They had six children, but only two survived infancy: Karl Thomas and Franz Xaver Wolfgang. Despite his successful career, Mozart often struggled financially, a situation exacerbated by his tendency to live beyond his means. He was known to be a generous yet somewhat extravagant individual, with a fondness for billiards and dancing.
Mozart was a Freemason, having been initiated into the lodge "Zur Wohltätigkeit" in 1784. His lodge brothers included influential figures such as
Emanuel-Schikaneder, the librettist of "The Magic Flute". Freemasonry had a profound influence on Mozart, which is evident in some of his compositions that include Masonic elements.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart died on December 5, 1791, at the age of 35 in Vienna. The exact cause of his death is unknown, though it is believed to be from complications of rheumatic fever. His legacy continues to be celebrated as one of the most prolific and influential composers in Western music history.