Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756 - 1791) was a prolific and influential composer of the Classical period. Composing from early childhood, he produced more than 600 works spanning symphony, opera, concerto, chamber and choral music, many regarded as pinnacles of their forms. [1]
Child prodigy
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born on 27 January 1756 in Salzburg. A prodigy on the keyboard and violin, he was composing and performing across the courts of Europe from the age of five, presented by his father Leopold. [1]
Career
After years in the service of the Archbishop of Salzburg, Mozart settled in Vienna in 1781 as a freelance composer and performer. There he produced many of his greatest works, including the operas The Marriage of Figaro, Don Giovanni and The Magic Flute, along with symphonies, piano concertos and string quartets. [1][2]
Final years
Despite his fame Mozart often struggled financially. He died in Vienna on 5 December 1791 at the age of 35, leaving his Requiem unfinished. His influence on Western music has been profound and lasting. [2]
