Mozart

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

A prolific and influential composer born in Salzburg, Austria, who became a musical prodigy before the age of five.

Leopold Mozart

Wolfgang's father, an accomplished violinist and author of a respected book on violin playing.

Opera Buffa

A comic opera, a form of opera that includes humor and is generally light-hearted.

The Marriage of Figaro

A successful opera written by Mozart, which premiered in 1786 and was commissioned by the city of Prague.

Don Giovanni

An opera composed by Mozart with a libretto by Lorenzo da Ponte that challenged contemporary musical expectations.

Patronage System

A system in which musicians relied on wealthy patrons for financial support and employment in order to thrive.

The Magic Flute

A successful opera written by Mozart in collaboration with librettist Emanuel Schikaneder that helped establish his fame.

Requiem

Mozart's last composition, commissioned by a count and left unfinished at the time of his death.

Franz Xaver Sűssmayr

Mozart’s favorite student, who completed Mozart's Requiem after his death.

Vienna

The city where Mozart moved to become a free artist and sought independence from his father's influence.