Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born January 27, 1756, in Salzburg, Austria. He was christened Johannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus, but he preferred Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. His father, Leopold, began teaching him to play minuets on the harpsichord before he was four years old. It only took him half an hour to learn each minuet. Before he was six, he had composed sonatas and a concerto for the harpsichord. Mozart learned to play the violin without being taught. He had watched his father and developed and intuition for playing. As a child, Mozart was so serious and thoughtful that at times he appeared older than he was. However, he was still a boyish boy and had a happy contentment about him.

At age 6, Mozart began touring with his family where he played for the Emperor and Empress in Vienna, and Marie Antoinette, the future Queen of France. In 1763 Mozart went to Paris where he wrote four sonatas that were published. Next, Mozart traveled to England and played for the King and Queen. Then at the age of nine he wrote his first symphonies for orchestra. In 1766, he returned to Salzburg. By this time Mozart could play music at first sight on the piano, harpsichord, clavichord, and organ. He was also talented on the violin and viola. It wasn't long before he was traveling again.

In 1770, while in Milan, Mozart wrote the opera "Mitridate" and then another opera "Lucio Silla". While in Italy, Mozart passed a composition test and became a member of the Bologna Philharmonic Society, even though he was still young. From 1774 to 1777 Mozart was very busy composing. He wrote a set of string quartets and a series of symphonies. During this time he also an opera along with several piano sonatas and concertos.

While in Mannheim, Mozart fell in love with Aloysia Weber, an opera singer. He wrote home to his father telling him that he was going to travel with Weber and her father. His father refused the idea so Mozart and his mother traveled to Paris. He threw himself into composing and wrote many pieces in the French style. He wasn't accepted as he was before because he was no longer a child prodigy. More bad things began happening for Mozart. His mother became ill and died. Also, his relationship with Aloysia fell apart when she became successful and he did not. Mozart returned home where he became Konzertmeister.

In 1780, Mozart wrote the opera "Idomeneo" which was a big success and