Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: A Lecture Summary

Early Life and Family

• Born: January 27, 1756, in Salzburg, Austria.
• Full Name: Joannes Chrysostomus Wolfgang Theophilus Mozart, later known as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
• Parents: Leopold Mozart, a composer and violinist, and Anna Maria Pertl from a rural family.
• Siblings: Only two survived infancy, his sister Maria Anna (Nannerl) and Wolfgang.
• Salzburg, part of the Holy Roman Empire, was governed by the music-loving Prince-Archbishop Siegmund Schrattenbach.

Early Musical Development

• Wolfgang showed early interest in music, following his sister's clavier lessons.
• By age four, he was learning violin and organ.
• At six, he performed with his father’s friends, showing exceptional talent.
• Composed his first clavier concerto movement.

Early Public Performances and Tours

• 1762: Mozart family visited Munich; performed for Elector Maximilian III.
• 1763-1766: Grand tour of Europe, including performances in Munich, Augsburg, Paris, London, and The Hague.
• Compositions published during this time (e.g., K. 6-9).
• Notable concert in Frankfurt, attended by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
• Received a commission in Milan for an opera at 14.

Challenges and Commissions

• 1769-1771: First trip to Italy; composed 'Mitridate, re di Ponto' and gained papal honors.
• Faced skepticism about his compositions being done by his father.
• Appointed konzertmeister in Salzburg but faced frustration over lack of high-paying positions.
• 1775: Wrote 'La finta gardiniera' for the Bavarian court, which was initially poorly received.

Tragedy and Personal Life

• 1777-1779: Tour with his mother; faced personal tragedies, including her death in Paris.
• Returned to Salzburg with a less favorable position.
• Composed notable works including the Coronation Mass and Sinfonia Concertante.

Vienna and Operatic Success

• 1781: Moved to Vienna and resigned from Salzburg position.
• 1782: Married Constanze Weber; experienced financial difficulties despite success.
• Collaborated with Lorenzo da Ponte, producing operas like 'The Marriage of Figaro' and 'Don Giovanni.'

Later Years and Legacy

• 1787: Brief encounter with Beethoven.
• Composed 'Eine kleine Nachtmusik' and became imperial composer.
• Financial struggles continued despite success.
• 1791: Last year of life; completed 'The Magic Flute' and worked on a Requiem Mass before passing away on December 5.
• Left a lasting impact on music; regarded as a great composer, rivaling even Beethoven.

Reflection and Influence

• Mozart’s child prodigy status transitioned to an adult musical genius, though he faced many personal and professional challenges.
• His music remains influential, characterized by its melody, harmony, and innovative compositions.
• Despite his short life, his contribution to classical music remains monumental.