Learning more about the piano: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Period: Classical
Dates: 1756-1791
Life & background:
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born on January 27, 1756, in Salzburg, which was then part of the Archbishorpric of Salzburg in the Holy Roman Empire
He was the seventh child of Leopold Mozart, a respected composer, violinist, and author of a famous violin instruction book, and Anna Maria Pertl Mozart.
Of his siblings, only Mozart and his sister Maria Anna (‘Nannanerl’) survived infancy
Displaying exceptional musical talent from a very early age, Mozart began playing the keyboard at age three and composing short pieces by age five
His father recognized his genius early and became his primary teacher, guiding him in keyboard, violin, composition, and theory
From 1762 to 1773, Mozart traveled extensively across Europe with his family, performing for royalty and aristocracy in places such as Munich, Vienna, Paris, London, and Rome
During these tours, he met influential musicians like Johann Christian Bach (the youngest son of J.S. Bach), whose style significantly shaped Mozart’s early development
He was appointed court musician in Salzburg at age 17, but grew frustrated with the limited artistic opportunities and the strict demands of his employer, Archbishop Colloredo
In 1781, after a conflict with the Archbishop, Mozart moved permanently to Vienna, where he established himself as a freelance composer and performer
In Vienna, he married Constanze Weber in 1782, despite his father’s initial disapproval
The couple had six children, but only two survived infancy
Mozart struggled with financial instability due to lavish spending, uneven patronage, and the unpredictable nature of freelance work
Despite his challenges, he composed some of his most celebrated works in his final years, including The Magic Flute, the Clarinet Concerto, and the unfinished Requiem
He died in Vienna on December 5, 1791, at the age of 35, after a short illness, leaving the Requiem incomplete
His cause of death remains debated, and he was buried in a common grave, typical for middle-class Viennese burials at the time
Musical style & innovation:
Mozart’s music is often described as embodying the Classical style at its peak - characterized by clarity, balance, formal elegance, and expressive depth
His works display an exceptional mastery of melody, often creating lyrical, memorable themes that are both simple and profound
He was a pioneer of thematic development, transforming short melodic ideas into complex, coherent structures
Mozart mastered every major musical genre of his time, including symphony, concerto, opera, chamber music, sacred music, and keyboard works
His operas - such as The Marriage of Figaro, Don Giovanni, and The Magic Flute - are notable for their deep characterizations, seamless integration of music and drama, and sophisticated use of ensembles
In instrumental music, he advanced the piano concerto as a genre, combining virtuosic solo writing with symphonic richness and dialogue between soloist and orchestra
His string quartets and quintets set new standards for chamber music, with intricate interplay between instruments rather than mere accompaniment
He integrated counterpoint (influenced by J.S. Bach) into the Classical idiom, creating works that combined Baroque complexity with Classical clarity
His harmonic language was refined but also adventurous, often using chromaticism, unexpected modulations, and dramatic contrasts to enhance expressiveness
Mozart was particularly innovative in orchestration, using woodwinds not merely for harmonic support but as equal partners in the musical texture
His sacred works, such as the Great Mass in C minor and the Requiem, combine grandeur with intimate devotion, blending operatic and liturgical styles
Impact & legacy:
Mozart is widely regarded as one of the greatest composers in Western music history, often seen as the epitome of the Classical style
His influence shaped the works of composers such as Ludwig van Beethoven, who studied his music intensively, and later Romantic composers who admired his melodic invention and formal mastery
His operas remain central to the repertoire, performed worldwide for their universal themes, dramatic insight, and musical brilliance
Mozart’s piano concertos set the standard for the genre, influencing composers from Beethoven to Chopin and beyond
His chamber music remains a model for balance, dialogue, and refinement, serving as a touchstone for composers and performers alike
The sheer breadth of his output - over 600 works across virtually every genre - demonstrates an unparalleled versatility and productivity
His life story has entered popular culture, often romanticized as that of a child prodigy whose genius burned brightly but briefly
In the 20th and 21st centuries, his music continues to inspire research, performance, and adaptations, with films like Amadeus (1984) renewing public fascination
Music education often uses Mozart’s works as models for teaching composition, harmony, and form because of their perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication
His legacy extends beyond music into broader cultural symbolism - representing pure artistic genius and the timeless power of human creativity
Complete works:
41 symphonies
Concertos:
27 piano concertos
5 violin concertos
4 horn concertos
1 clarinet concerto
2 flute concertos
1 oboe concerto
1 bassoon concerto
1 flute & harp concerto
23 string quartets
6 string quintets
Sonatas:
36 violin sonatas
18 piano sonatas
17 masses
20 operas
12 variations for piano
6 divertimenti for strings
Numerous serenades, cassations, dances, and other instrumental works
Numerous arias, songs, and sacred choral works