Mozart Wolfgang Amadeus Program Notes and Sheet Music

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (January 27, 1756 – December 5, 1791) was a prolific and influential composer of the Classical period. Despite his short life, his rapid pace of composition resulted in more than 600 works of virtually every genre of his time. Many of these compositions are acknowledged as pinnacles of the symphonic, concertante, chamber, operatic, and choral repertoire. Mozart is widely regarded as among the greatest composers in the history of Western music, with his music admired for its "melodic beauty, its formal elegance and its richness of harmony and texture".

Mozart was born in Salzburg, Austria, to Leopold Mozart and Anna Maria Pertl. His father was a violinist and composer, and his mother was a singer. Mozart began composing at a very young age, and by the time he was six years old, he was already writing symphonies and concertos.

In 1762, Mozart and his sister, Nannerl, embarked on a concert tour of Europe. They performed for royalty and other dignitaries, and they were met with great acclaim. The tour lasted for three years, and it helped to establish Mozart's reputation as a child prodigy.

In 1769, Mozart returned to Salzburg, where he took up a position as a court musician. He remained in Salzburg for the next ten years, but he was unhappy with his situation. He felt that he was not being given enough opportunities to compose, and he was frustrated by the restrictions placed on his freedom.

In 1781, Mozart left Salzburg and moved to Vienna. He hoped to find greater success in Vienna, and he was not disappointed. He quickly became one of the most popular composers in the city, and he was able to compose more freely than ever before.

In Vienna, Mozart wrote some of his most famous works, including The Marriage of Figaro (1786), Don Giovanni (1787), and The Magic Flute (1791). He also wrote a large number of symphonies, concertos, and chamber music pieces.

Mozart died in Vienna in 1791 at the age of 35. The cause of his death is unknown, but it is believed that he may have died of syphilis.

Mozart's music is still performed and enjoyed today. His operas are some of the most popular in the world, and his symphonies, concertos, and chamber music pieces are regularly performed by orchestras and chamber ensembles. Mozart's music is a testament to his genius, and it continues to inspire and delight audiences of all ages.