Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the greatest composer of his time, still remains one of the most prominent figures in the world of music. Being the perfect example of the «wunderkind», he, however, proved that success is only 1% of talent and 99% of hard work.
Like Paris is famous for the Eiffel Tower, Salzburg is famous for being the birth place of one of the most outstanding figures in music of all times – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Born in 1756 on the cold January day, from the early age he proved to be extraordinary gifted. Some children can hardly read at four years old, but Mozart could already tell the out of tuned tones, not to mention that at the age of six he began his creative career. It’s interesting to note that his elder sister Maria Anna inherited musical skills as well, but with the nearing of marriageable age, she had to quit performing in audience (Wolfgang Mozart, 2013).
After five years of living in the motherland of the opera, Italy, the young composer returned to his native place and was soon appointed as the assistant of the concertmaster. But who would agree to work for peanuts and obey torturous rules, while possessing an incredible gift? Perhaps no one would. So as it happened once upon a time, the twenty one year old composer set out on the trip in search for more prosperous place. This period of his career was highlighted with the creation of several symphonies, serenades and operas.
Having moved to Vienna in 1781, Wolfgang married Costanze and soon after this became the happy father of a son. However, a fly in the ointment could not but spoil the idyllic life: being jealous of Mozart’s success, some prominent composers in Vienne tried their hard to make Wolfgang’s life as strenuous as possible. Antonio Saliery considered himself to be an outstanding composer at that time in Vienne – actually he really was – and sure enough, the appeared new star would not influence positively on his position. So by hook or by crook he tripped his rival up. Nevertheless, this fact did not prevent the prodigy grown-up to successfully become a chamber composer for the Emperor. Yet, financial independence was never to be gained (McGee R & McGee J, 2003).
Wolfgang’s opera «Entfuerung» gave him if not the worldwide popularity, but at least European, making him a household name.
The year 1785 and the encounter with the librettist Lorenzo Da Ponte resulted in one of Mozart’s famous pieces of music «Marriage of Figaro», telling us the story about the cunning servants, who fooled their arrogant, aristocratic masters. (Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart). It can’t but should be mentioned, that being prone to having lavish drinks, late-at-night parties and gambling, Mozart caused deterioration of his health and major debts in addition. However, this did not stop him from setting to work on his most famous «Requiem». Actually if not for money, the composer would never have started on creating a custom-made requiem mess, ordered by a mysterious stranger one late night.
Working on «Requiem», Mozart couldn’t help having the feeling, that he composed it for his own funerals. However, «Requiem» remained unfinished and was driven to its logical conclusion by the maestro’s disciples. On December 5, 1791 the circle of life of the great composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was interrupted forever.
Mozart’s contribution to the world of music can hardly be overestimated. Having influenced such great composers as Beethoven and Haydn, having led the form of opera and symphony to perfection, he alongside with this left an indelible trace in our hearts by touching its deepest strings with his great music.
References
Wolfgang Mozart. (2013). The Biography Channel website. Retrieved 02:17, Apr 22, 2013, from http://www.biography.com/people/wolfgang-mozart-9417115.
McGee, R., & McGee, J. (2003). Music to your ears. Dubuque, IA: Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Retrieved from http://www.meetthemusicians.us/wolfgang-amadeus-mozart.asp
