Wolfgang Amadé Mozart
From Salzburg to the world. Explore facts about the fascinating life of probably the most famous composer in staccato.
Mozarts Birthplace (1838) by Eduard GurkThe Mozart-Museums of the International Mozarteum Foundation Salzburg
Amadé? No: Theophilus!
In this house, on a cold winter evening, January 27, 1756, at eight o'clock in the evening, a little boy was born. Johannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus was his baptismal name. We know him today as Wolfgang Amadé Mozart, probably the most famous composer.
Mozart´s Child-Violin (1735/1746) by Andreas Ferdinand MayrThe Mozart-Museums of the International Mozarteum Foundation Salzburg
The little musician
The Mozart children themselves never attended school. They received piano lessons from their father. Wolfgang Amadé began doing so at the age of four. He was not forced to compose or practice - he had to be stopped from doing so!
Concert at the Court of the Prince de Conti (1766) by Michel-Barthélémy Ollivier (after)The Mozart-Museums of the International Mozarteum Foundation Salzburg
The prodigy inspires Europe
Leopold Mozart, who quickly recognized his son's talent, decided to share this miracle with all of Europe. In the end, Wolfgang Amadé Mozart spent a third of his life traveling. In this painting little Mozart inspires the aristocratic circles of Paris.
Not the most beautiful - but humorous...!
In 1770 Mozart reports to his sister from Milan after a visit to the opera: " Prima Dona, not bad, already old, I think, a hound, does not sing as well as she acts... Second lady, not a hound on the stage, young, but nothing special ." Mozart: honest, open and affectionate!
Purse of Wolfgang Amadé Mozart by International Mozarteum Foundation SalzburgThe Mozart-Museums of the International Mozarteum Foundation Salzburg
Mozart lavish?
Wolfgang Amadé is often said to have lived an excessive lifestyle. In fact, Mozart was not poor, had a good, regular income. Often the expenses were higher, it may also be that he helped friends financially. Mozart was simply not a saver.
One man, a thousand faces! Again and again, the question arises as to what Wolfgang Amadé Mozart really looked like. In fact, the Mozarteum Foundation owns the largest collection of authentic Mozart portraits. Mozart was small by stature and marked by some illnesses of his childhood. His humorous nature - which we have already met - and his music always inspired people. After his passing, idealized images quickly emerged and spread.
Wolfgang Amadé Mozart (1789) by Dorothea StockThe Mozart-Museums of the International Mozarteum Foundation Salzburg
Mozart - en detail!
Considered one of the most precise and at the same time intimate portraits, this silverpoint drawing was made by Dorothea Stock in 1789. Today, the precious and delicate portrait is kept in the autograph vault of the International Mozarteum Foundation.
Master of the Opera!
Wolfgang Amadé Mozart loved to compose works for the stage. He wrote 22 operas all togteher. Even his youthful works could compete with the best operas of his time. Mozart's love of opera motivated him to move to the imperial metropolis of Vienna.
Concept: Linus Klumpner, Director Mozart-Museums
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