Mozart was one of the most beloved composers of the Classical period. He played for European royalty, including the Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg.
Mozart composed over six-hundred works full of elegance, beauty, refinement, and grace. His works include operas, symphonies, concertos, and choral music—attesting to his genius.
His talent emerged at a very young age. He is said to have composed his first piece at age 4, under the guidance of his father—a well-known violinist and composer in the late 1700s.
Mozart wrote music for almost every instrument, and some of his contemporaries were quite jealous of his fame. It is even rumored he may have been poisoned at the end of his short life.
Mozart was also known for his bawdy sense of humor which was depicted in the movie "Amadeus." The film portrays Mozart as mentally unstable, but many believe this is inaccurate. Mozart was a creative genius but he was also a hard-working, prolific composer.
Mozart was born on January 27, 1756. And, every year in January, our very own Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra celebrates his birthday by playing lavish symphonies with guest conductors, violinists, and other instrumentalists. Known as "Mozart's Birthday Bash," the concert attracts music lovers from near and far.
This year, I wanted to honor Mozart, too. So, I learned his Fantasia in D Minor, which he composed at the end of his life but never finished. After Mozart's death, a rumor emerged that it was actually another composer who finished the piece.
Learning the Fantasia in D Minor made me want to explore more of Mozart's music. I was deeply moved, for example, listening to his Requiem Mass in D Minor, a choral piece that was unfinished at the time of his death. Some believe he wrote it as a kind of last testament. It's a somber piece but also inspiring and powerful. Many have said the piece is a celebration of life, rather than death.
I hope after listening to my foray into Mozart, you will also be moved to discover the genius of this composer.