COMPOSERS

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Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

1756-1791

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Mozart was born on January 27, 1756 in Salzburg Austria.

Mozart is considered one of the greatest musical geniuses of all time,

authoring over 600 works before his premature death at 35. Mozart, the son

of orchestra leader Leopold Mozart, showed remarkable musical aptitude early in life.

He was playing the harpsichord by the age of 4, composing music at 5, and

performed his first recital at age 6 for the Empress of Austria.

Recognizing his enormous talent, his father devoted most of his time to his son's

musical education, and taking him on concert tours throughout Europe.

Mozart left Salzburg in 1781 to seek his fortune in Vienna. He married there in 1782.

Mozart made his living performing and selling his compositions and giving music lessons.

No longer a child prodigy he had difficulty earning sufficient income to support a family.

He died in poverty in 1791. Mozart excelled at nearly every kind of musical composition.

He wrote 22 operas, over 40 symphonies, and composed a great amount of church and

chamber music. Much of Mozart's work is still performed and enjoyed today.