Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (IPA: [ˈvɔlfgaŋ amaˈdeus ˈmoːtsart], baptized Joannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart) (27 January 1756 – 5 December 1791) was a prolific and influential composer of the Classical era. His output of over 600 compositions includes works widely acknowledged as pinnacles of symphonic, concertante, chamber, piano, operatic, and choral music. Mozart is among the most enduringly popular of classical composers and many of his works are part of the standard concert repertoire.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born to LeopoldAnna Maria Pertl Mozart in Getreidegasse 9 in Salzburg, the capital of the sovereign Archbishopric of Salzburg, in what is now Austria, then part of the Holy Roman Empire. His only sibling who survived past birth was his sister Maria Annabaptized the day after his birth at St. Rupert's Cathedral. The baptismal record gives his name in Latinized form as Joannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart. Mozart generally called himself "Wolfgang Amadé Mozart"[1]as an adult, but there were many variants (see Mozart's name). and (1751-1829), called "Nannerl". Wolfgang was

Mozart's father Leopold Mozart (1719–1787) was deputy Kapellmeister to the court orchestra of the Archbishop of Salzburg and a minor composer.[2]Versuch einer gründlichen Violinschule.[3] He was also an experienced teacher; in the year of Mozart's birth he published a successful violin textbook,

When Nannerl was seven, Leopold began giving her keyboard lessons. The three-year old Mozart looked on, evidently with fascination: his sister later recorded that at this age "he often spent much time at the clavier [keyboard], picking out thirds, ... and his pleasure showed it sounded good [to him]."[4][5]Andante (K. 1a) and Allegro in C (K. 1b).[6] Nannerl continued: "in the fourth year of his age his father, for a game as it were, began to teach him a few minuets and pieces at the clavier. ... he could play it faultlessly and with the greatest delicacy, and keeping exactly in time. ... At the age of five he was already composing little pieces, which he played to his father who wrote them down." Among them were the

Biographer Maynard Solomon[7] notes that while Leopold was a very devoted teacher to his children, there is evidence that Wolfgang was motivated to make progress even beyond what his father was teaching him. His first independent (and ink-spattered) composition, and his initial ability to play the violin, were both his own doing and were a great surprise to Leopold. The father and son seem to have been close; both of the precocious episodes just mentioned brought tears to Leopold's eyes.[8]

Leopold eventually gave up composing when his son's outstanding musical talents became evident.[9] He was Wolfgang's only teacher in his earliest years. He taught his children languages and academic subjects as well as music.[10]

Mozart in about 1780, portrayed by Johann Nepomuk della Croce. Detail of family portrait seen below.

 

Mozart's birthplace at Getreidegasse 9, Salzburg, Austria

Mozart Memorial in Vienna around 1900  

When I am . . . traveling in a carriage, or walking after a good meal,
or during the night when I cannot sleep; it is on such occasions
that ideas flow best and most abundantly.

                                                                       —Mozart