Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Born in Salzburg in 1756, Mozart was a child prodigy whose ability to perform and compose music astounded his audiences. His first employment was with Archbishop Colleredo in Salzburg, but feeling frustrated by the restrictions placed upon him he left for Vienna.

In Vienna Mozart survived principally as a teacher, pianist and composer of operas, producing a constant stream of masterpieces across all genres, including four of the most popular operas ever composed and a wealth of beautiful orchestral and instrumental music. He married Constanze Weber in 1782 but his private life was marred by continued financial difficulties owing to his failure to gain a permanent position and his impecunity. In 1791 Mozart became severely ill and died at the age of 36, leaving one of his most famous compositions, the Requiem, incomplete. The most beloved of all composers, Mozart's life and art are a constant source of delight and speculation as the Oscar winning film 'Amadeus' testifies.

Key Works: Eine kleine Nachtmusik, Gran Partita, Symphonies Nos. 31 'Paris', 35 'Haffner', 36 'Linz', 38 'Prague' – 41 'Jupiter', Sinfonia Concertante, Clarinet Concerto, Piano Concertos Nos. 9 'Jeunehomme', 17 – 27, Horn Concertos Nos. 1 – 4, Oboe Concerto, Violin Concertos Nos. 1 – 5, Clarinet Quintet, Piano Quintet, String Quintets Nos. 1 – 6, Piano Quartets Nos. 1 & 2, String Quartets Nos. 14 – 19 'Haydn', Clarinet Trio 'Kegelstatt', Piano Trios Nos. 1 – 6, Violin Sonatas Nos. 17 – 28, Piano Sonatas Nos. 1 – 17, Ave verum corpus, Exsultate jubilate, Coronation Mass, Great Mass in C minor, Requiem, Vesperae solennes de confessore, Cosi fan tutte, Don Giovanni, Die Entfuhrung aus dem Serail, Idomeneo, Le nozze di Figaro, Die Zauberflöte