Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Sample file

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1 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

2 Wolfgang Amadeus mozart Mozart is pronounced MOE-tsart. Wolfgang Amadeus is pronounced WOLF-gang ah-muh-day-uhs. Born January 27, 1756, in Salzburg, Austria Died December 5, 1791, in Vienna, Austria Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in Salzburg, Austria in He was a classical composer because he wrote music during the Classical Period. Mozart wrote over 600 works during his lifetime, including 41 symphonies, Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, and 27 piano concertos. His parents were Leopold and Anna Maria Pertl Mozart. His father Leopold Mozart was a choir master, a minor composer and an experienced teacher. At age 4 Wolfgang began keyboard lessons, and, by age 5, he was composing short pieces. At this very young age, he mastered keyboard and violin, and entertained the social elites including royalty throughout Europe. Mozart studied and admired the works of Bach, Handel and Haydn. He was traveling all over Europe playing music by the time he was six. Because of his constant travels, Mozart eventually learned to speak fifteen different languages. He was a Roman Catholic and some of his greatest works were religious in nature. Mozart earned a substantial sum at that time from his successful operas. What is the Classical Period? The Classical period itself lasted from approximately 1775 to The name classical is applied to the period because in art and literature, there was an interest in, and admiration for the classical artistic and literary heritage of Greece and Rome. This era has also been labeled the Age of Enlightenment. Even though Mozart was a famous musician, he did not always make enough money selling his music. Sometimes, he was irresponsible and spent too much money. Sometimes, he was not treated fairly for his work. On December 5, 1791, Mozart died at 35 years of age of kidney failure, leaving behind a collection of more than 600 compositions, including works for the symphony, the piano, and the opera. Some of these pieces are considered to be the finest works in the Classical period of music.

3 Fascinating Facts: Wolfgang's father was a fine composer and musician who taught both of his children to play instruments. Wolfgang's parents and big sister called him "Wolfie". He could listen to music just once and then go away and write it down without any mistakes. While most composers specialize in certain kinds of pieces, Mozart created amazing works for almost every category of music - vocal music, concertos, chamber music, symphonies, sonatas, and opera. Mozart was famous as a child because he could play and write music from the age of 4. He lived before there were cars, trains or planes. When Mozart travelled around Europe, he went in a coach and horses or by boat. Mozart died in 1791, not long after the French Revolution had begun. Videos: Mozart Biography for Kids Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Mini Biography The Marriage of Figaro One of Mozart s Most Famous Pieces Facts & Information:

4 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Timeline 1756: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born on January 27, at Getreidegasse in Salzburg. 1762: Travelled for almost three and a half years to Munich, Mannheim, Paris, London, Hague, Zurich and Donaueschingen 1767: Mozart composed a Latin Drama and performed at Salzburg University. 1769: Went to Italy with his father where he got a chance to meet G. B. Martini 1769: Mozart was made a member of the reputed Accademia Filarmonica. 1773: Was appointed at the court of the ruler of Salzburg 1777: He resigned from his job at Salzburg and travelled to Augsburg, Mannheim, Paris, and Munich in search of better options. 1778: Mozart s mother passed away.

5 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Timeline 1779: He reached home and took up the job of a court organist and concert master in Salzburg 1781: Opera Idomeneo was premiered in Munich. 1782: The Opera Die Entführung aus dem Serail ( The Abduction from the Seraglio ) was premiered and became an instant success. 1782: Mozart got married to Constanze in St.Stephens Cathedral in Vienna. 1783: He wrote his greatest piece. It was Mass in C minor. 1786: Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro was premiered in Vienna. 1787: His father passed away. 1791: Mozart passed away on December 5, at the age of 35.