top of page
Search

Composer of the Month: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Classical Period)

Writer's picture: Rachel BeardRachel Beard

Updated: Nov 4, 2024



"If only the whole world could feel the power of harmony."

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart


Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) was born in Salzburg, Austria. His father Leopold was a successful composer, violinist, and assistant concertmaster at the imperial court.


An incredibly gifted prodigy, Mozart was proficient on the violin and harpsichord and composed his first music at five years old, his first symphony at eight, and his first opera at eleven. His father took him to Italy at thirteen, and while in Rome, Mozart heard an opera performed once and was able to write out the entire score later from memory.


In 1773, Mozart was appointed as assistant concertmaster which gave him the time to compose symphonies, string quartets, sonatas and serenades, and a few operas, all before he was twenty-one years old.


Mozart married in 1782. He and his wife had six children, yet only two survived infancy.

Though Mozart died young at only 35 years old, he managed to write over 1,200 works in that time. Within the span of only two years, for example, he composed 27 piano concertos. It is said that he composed his music “in his head” as he tapped away notes on his piano.


As well as being the defining voice of the Classical period, Mozart is perhaps one of the most famous composers of all time. He was an excellent musician and was able to create perfect structures and mastery of melody. His music was delicate, expressive, complex, and beautiful. It required high mastery from the musicians who performed it.


Mozart's work influenced many composers that followed, including Beethoven. He perfected grand forms of symphony, opera, string ensemble, and concerto, all of which have left a solid mark and influence on music today.


This is a wonderful ensemble that was scored for thirteen instruments.


This is one of Mozart's most greatly admired works.


Requiem was written to accompany a funeral mass, and incidentally, it was Mozart's final composition before his death. He did not complete it before his death. The latter portion of this composition (around minute 35:46 to the end) was written posthumously by Franz Xaver Süssmayr. 

25 views0 comments

Comments


Commenting has been turned off.
email.png

Hours of operation

M/W/F - 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
T/Th -  3:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Sat/Sun - Closed

© 2024 by Rachel Beard Piano Studio.

bottom of page