< Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's music has an enduring quality that withstands the test of time. Since the mid to latter part of the 18th century people have enjoyed and benefitted from his music. Audiences were inspired by his operas, concertos, symphonies, serenades, sonatas and other forms of music. Mozart was a prodigy who was given singular and unique musical gifts. His parents, imbued with faith and a sense of responsibility, helped him to cultivate and develop those musical talents. As a result of this strong parenting and special talent, millions of people over the last two centuries have appreciated his music.
In a way, Mozart's life was like any other life. He strove to respect his parents,but tried to find a balance between adhering to his parents requests while striving to be his own person. He respected the guidance of his father, but still needed to express his own views and his own plans for his musical career. He honored his parents, but still developed his independence.
Mozart had the discipline to spend hours everyday composing music, practicing piano and violin and teaching students. However, he still found time to enjoy his life. Throughout his life, he was interested in the theatre, playing billiards and riding horses. After he married and became a father, he spent time with his wife and children.
Mozart's parents passed on their Catholic/Christian faith to their son. He practiced his faith without being dominated by it. He had a healthy approach to Christianity, as he wrote Masses and Requiems for the Church. However, he did it for God's glory and not his own. He understood the responsibility of his faith, but was never crushed by it.
Mozart made good use of his time, but always took the time to enjoy life and remember what was important. He lived a balanced life, and his example inspires us to do the same.
Mozart enjoyed composing and performing. When one of his compositions made their debut, he often performed during the premiere. He was an exceptional pianist who enjoyed playing and receiving applause. He also played violin publically. Music seemed central to his personality and he expressed his love for music naturally.
When I listen to his music, I often hear something within it for the first time. Perhaps, I appreciate the rythym or the melody of the piece for the first time. Or maybe I appreciate the crescendo or the decrescendo for the first time. Sometimes, I marvel at how each note seems perfectly placed. It's as though nothing should be added or deleted. Finally, I am amazed that someone could write so much music for so many instruments
Paul Johnson's biography of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart presents a succinct and reader friendly portrait of Mozart's life. The book is divided into 5 chapters. The Miracle Prodigy;Master of Instruments; A Married Composing Machine; Mozart's Operetic Magic; and A Good Life Fully Lived. The book is 155 pages, which is relatively short for a biography. Despite it's brevity, the book presents a full fledged picture of Mozart's life and accomplishments.
Mozart was born on January 27, 1756. He was one of seven children born to Leopold and Anna Marie Mozart. According to Johnson, Mozart possessed a high amount of energy during his life:"Mozart was healthy and active, some would say hyperactive. He rode a horse regularly, traveled endlessly, was a fanatic and vigorous dancer, and worked relentlessly, often late into the night." Mozart was a hard working composer who stayed active and enjoyed life. Mozart lived a balanced life.
Johnson points out that Mozart's musical accomplishments were vast: "his output included 17 masses...1 requiem, plus various Kyries , litanies, vespers, Magnificat, and 17 Church sonatas and cantatas and oratorios. There were 7 major operas, plus 16 others, and intermezzos, songspiels, feste teartrali, serenatos, drammi per musica, and other stage pieces, plus 35 songs. Plus 7 sets of ballet music, 8 duets or assembles for voice and orchestra, and 58 arias. He composed 61symphonies..., 24 serenades and divertissements, 19 wind ensembles, 15 marches, 219 dances...,23 keyboard concertos, 10 concertos for strings and 16 for wind, 27 string quartets, 6 string quintets, plus a large number of works I find it difficult to classify." So, Mozart's musical accomplishments were vast and varied. He composed for multiple instruments and genres.
Many of Mozart's works were performed for live audiences during his life , but they were not published until after he died. According to Johnson, the music publishing field grew a lot 10 years after Mozart's death. Mozart probably did not know how popular his music would become.
Mozart grew up in the musical city of Salzburg, Austria . Music was sung in churches and in secular environments. Orchestras and choirs were present in Salzburg. Mozart's parents were also very musical. So, young Mozart was surrounded by music.
Mozart's parents were very musical and influential on Mozart. Johnson says "That he started early was due to his father." Leopold Mozart, Amadeus' father, was a talented violinist who recognized his son's talents at a young age. Leopold, himself, was an accomplished musician. He wrote a instructional book on the violin.Leopold was grateful to God for his son's musical talents. Leopold felt responsible for his son and tried hard to cultivate his son's musical talents. According to Johnson, Leopold gave up playing the violin in order to have more time to teach his son and daughter.
Mozart began playing music at age 3. Mozart began composing music when he was 5, and he wrote his first symphony when he was 8. At age 12, while on a tour of Europe with his parents, he wrote his first opera. According to Johnson, "Mozart's own musical personality soon began to emerge by the age of eight."
In Mozart's day, musicians and composers were not paid well. Johnson points out that "Musicians were exactly in the same position as other household servants -cooks, chamber maids, coachmen, and sentries." Musicians and composers were employed by the Church and the state in the 18th century. They would often compose music by a certain deadline that was given them by a bishop, emperor or empress.
In the 18th century, people frequently wrote letters to family members or friends. It was an important way for people who were separated by many miles to keep in contact with each other. The modern world has instantaneous communication through phones and computers. However, in the 18th century communication required great patience. It would be a long time before people could read a response to their original communication. People would wait patiently for a letter to arrive.
Nine of Mozart's letters have survived to the present day. They were addressed to his cousins. The letters reflect Mozart's sense of humor and his habit of improvising with language. These letters, like much of his music, reflects his creativity and intelligence. Additionally, Johnson says "The letters allow us to follow Mozart's journeys across Europe, shepherded by his father, in considerable detail."
The letters also showed how difficult Mozart's financial situation was. Johnson says "It was difficult at this point in the history of music publishing, for a composer to live by sale of his copyrights. Johann Sebastian Bach, for instance, had only nine of his significant works published in his lifetime. Mozart did better, but not much, one reason why so many of his works survive in his handwriting."
In addition to being an excellent composer, Mozart played multiple instruments well. He played the clavier, violin, piano, organ and other instruments. Johnson says "Mozart had to play the piano all the time, composing, conducting, performing, and organizing operas and other works. But there is some evidence he actually preferred the violin and, even better the viola." Mozart wrote 5 violin concertos when he was 19.
However, despite Mozart's great appreciation for the violin, Mozart may have preferred playing the viola. Johnson says "Mozart, himself, preferred to play the viola rather than the violin, probably because he had a fondness for its rich, fruity tone." However, playing the violin was easier for Mozart than playing the viola. He liked playing both, but found the violin to be a better fit for his musical abilities. Additionally, there were more violins than violas in the world at this time. The violin was a more prominent instrument, and there was more solo work written for the violin at this time. Johnson says "Until Mozart began to tackle the viola, it was not seen as a solo instrument (no solos at all are known before 1750)."
Mozart helped to elevate the viola. When Mozart wrote the "Sinfonia Concerte in 1779, he helped to make the viola more popular. Johnson says that Mozart's use of the E flat key helped highlight the viola in this particular piece. The E Flat key was suited to the unique characteristics of the viola. Johnson says "Thus, thanks to Mozart's cunning, based on sheer knowledge, the violas prominence is underlined by enhanced performance, and the two instruments become true equals for the first time in musical history."
Johnson also points out that Mozart helped to develop the horn as a major instrument. Mozart wrote four concertos for the horn. Three concertos were written in E major, while one was written in D major.
"Horn concerto No. 1" was written in D major features two movements - Allegro and Rondo. Even though it is entitled "No 1", it was the last one to be composed. This concerto included bassoons.
"Horn concerto No. 2" was composed in 1783. It features ripieno horns, which are horns besides the solo horn. This concerto features three parts - Allegro, Andante and Rondo.
"Horn concerto No. 3" is also in E flat major. It was composed between 1789 and 1787. The concerto was written as an act of friendship for Joseph Leutgeb, a horn player. This concerto features 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons and strings in addition to the solo horn. The concerto features three movements- Allegro, Larghetto and another Allegro. Some people think that the third movement sounds like the rondo of Mozart's piano concerto No. 22.
In addition to these three works, Mozart wrote incomplete music for the horn.
In a word, Mozart contributed a lot to the repertoire of the horn. Johnson points out that "There is also much ingenious and beautiful and highly original and idiosyncratic horn scoring in Mozart's compositions for. Large or small orchestras. The truth is, without Mozart, the repertoire for horn would be a huge hole, with a few isolated hillocks."
Mozart had many friends who were musicians. He performed with other musicians and often wrote music for them. At times, Mozart had people in mind when he wrote music for them. Johnson says "Mozart had a highly personal approach to music. He associated each instrument with particular people he knew who were especially good at playing it, and wrote with them -or often one of them-in mind.
Mozart understood that each musician was different and unique. For instance, bassoonist were unique because each bassoon was different. They were all made differently at this time. Johnson thinks that Mozart may have written his "Bassoon Concerto in B flat" for Felix Rheimer who was the best bassoon player at this time. He also wrote 3 bassoon concertos for Baron Durnitz - an amateur bassoonist. In any event, Johnson says " what we can say is that the Bassoon Concerto in B-flat, K. 191., written in 1774, when he was eighteen, shows Mozart's complete understanding of the theoretical and actual capabilities of the instrument and also of its spirit. Bassoonist love it because it is by far the best major work in the repertoire."
Mozart married Constance on August 4th 1782. They remained married until his death in 1791. They had 7 children. After they married, they lived in Vienna where they experienced debt and financial difficulties. However, Johnson points out that "Indebtedness was almost a universal habit among married couples in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries." Johnson says that the poor, the middle class and the upper class all struggled with debt. Johnson points out that even "aristocrats paid late." Debt seemed to be part of the 18th century culture.
According to Johnson, "Mozart's income came from five main sources." Mozart made money through teaching; opera commissions; public performances and concerts; private concerts; and the selling of his published music. Musicians and composers were not well paid in the 18th century, so Mozart had to maximize his income through his music in different ways. Mozart made the most of his situation and did his best to provide for his family.
We do not know for sure how many pupils Mozart had. It probably depended upon how much time he had to teach and how much discretionary income people in the community had. If people could afford music lessons, Mozart was probably the best person in the community to go to. In 1782, Mozart told his dad that he had 3 students. He may have had more in other years. He probably taught has many students as he could.
Making money in opera was difficult, but it was one source of Mozart's income. Composers received a one time payment for an operatic performance. Johnson points out that "no royalties were paid, as a rule, and so repeat performances brought in nothing." Although, he did not make much money from operas, Mozart loved the opera and he loved writing operas. The opera was one of his favorite musical genres because it combined theatre and music, two of his greatest interests.
Mozart wrote 22 operas. His first one "The obligation of the first and foremost commandment" was written in 1767. His final opera, "The Magic Flute" was composed in 1791. Mozart often conducted the premieres of his operas. Mozart's operas reflect his love for music, theatre and comedy. The genre features many different elements, and Mozart had the right personality and talents to write for the genre. Mozart collaborated with many musicians, singers and comics when he wrote the operas. He worked well with the musicians and the other people who helped make theses operas successful.
Mozart worked very hard when he composed "The Marriage of Figaro." According to Johnson, Mozart worked harder on this piece of work "than on anything else in his entire life." It's possible that "The Marriage of Figaro" may have expressed Mozart's personality better than any of his works. According to Johnson, Mozart was a positive and upbeat person who "transformed the play into a comic epic of forgiveness, reconciliation and final delight."
Mozart was a balanced person who wanted others to see value and meaning in life. He wanted other people to experience happiness. He conveyed these intentions through his music and the way in which he interacted with others. Regarding "The Marriage of Figaro" Johnson says"Figaro is thus the embodiment of Mozart's emotional nature in music ...He enjoyed existence and wanted every one to be has happy as he. He believed they could be, too, if only they were sensible. "Figaro", in the end, shows everyone more or less being sensible, decent, and forgiving - and so happy." Mozart's positive and upbeat personality came through in his operas and in all of his music.
The overture for "The Marriage of Figaro" is one of the best overtures ever written for an opera. The overture is powerful and beautiful. The melody is memorable and well respected throughout the musical world. The overture sets the tone for the opera. Commentators have said that the overture prepares the audience for the music of the opera. Many people love the music of the overture. The music inspires the listener to look forward to the opera.
The public performances of Mozart's music and his operas was also a source of income for him. Giving public concerts was not easy. It required a lot of work and organizational skills. The composer had to assemble local musicians, teach them the music and rehearse with them. Public concerts required a lot of planning on the part of the composer.
Johnson points out that "A composer could also give public concerts. But he usually had to organize them himself and sell the tickets." The theatre, the composer and the musicians divided up the proceeds. In addition to the income, Mozart, the musicians and the actors experienced great pride in their performances.
In addition to his 22 operas, Mozart is known for his concertos. He's especially known for his violin and piano concertos. Mozart wrote 5 violin concertos when he was 19 years of age. Additionally, throughout his career, he wrote 23 piano concertos. Johnson says "The classical concerto is very much his own creation, and the piano is the means by which he created it." Mozart's piano concertos are my favorite musical works. They contain memorable melodies and unforgettable bars of music.
The concerto features many instruments with one instrument standing out. The piano concertos highlight piano melodies. The piano contrasts and complements other instruments. The piano concertos begin with a basic melody played by the orchestra. Then the piano is introduced and adds to the orchestral introduction. The piano melody adds another layer and element to the basic theme of the concerto. While the piano is highlighted, the supportive role of the other instruments is important, too. A good concerto features contrasting parts and collaborative music as well.
Johnson points out that "Between 1773 and 1791, Mozart wrote 23 piano concertos (plus 2 rondos) which represent his greatest single body of work, exploring every aspect of the instrument in it's relation to the orchestra." Some consider Mozart's piano concertos to be his greatest works. Mozart, himself, was a very talented piano player. Mozart often played the piano parts at the public performances of his piano concertos.
In 1791, The final year of Mozart's life, he accomplished a lot. Johnson referred to this year as "perhaps the busiest in his entire life." During this year, Mozart's opera "The Magic Flute" was written. Mozart conducted the premier on September 30th, 1791. The opera was well received and became very popular. It remains one of the most celebrated and popular operas today. The music for the opera involves two flutes, two oboes, two clarinets, two bassoons, two horns, two trumpets, three trombones, timpani and strings."The Magic Flute" remains one of the most performed operas today.Yearly there are hundreds of productions and thousands of performances of this opera throughout the world.
Johnson points out that there were other major accomplishments that year as well. Johnson says "On January 5, he had finished and played the big and powerful piano concerto in B-flat major (k595) and this was followed by his String Quartet in E-flat Major (614), one of his most majestic and subtle chamber works. He also wrote his dazzling Clarinet Concerto in A Major (k.622), the best thing he ever did in my opinion, and one of his chief masterworks, the one that I could least spare, for rejoicing on a gaudy day and comfort on a sad one." These were some of Mozart's best works.
His "Piano concerto in B major" had three movements: Allegro, Larghetto and Allegro. The movements are connected to produce one major theme. Mozart wrote the cadenzas, or solos, for the first and third movements. It's possible that the concerto made it's debut on March 4th, 1791, which would have been Mozart's last public concert. It was the 27th and final piano concerto that Mozart wrote. Some consider Mozart's piano concerto to be his crowning achievements. In any event, they are among his best works.
His "String Quintet in E Flat Major" was his 6th and final string quintet. It was the last major piece of chamber music that he wrote. The piece created four movements: Allegro do molto; Andante; Menuetto/Allegro and Allegro. The quintet features two violins, two violas and a cello.
Mozart's "Clarinet Concerto in A Major" features 3 movements: Allegro in A Major, Adagio in D Major and a Rondo in A Major. The concerto featured a good balance between the clarinet and the other instruments of the orchestra. The concerto made it's premiere in October of 1971 and was well received.
Two of Mozart's final works were "Ave Verum Corpum" and the Requiem that would be played at his funeral. "Ave Verum Corpum" was a Christian hymn in honor of the Blessed Sacrament. It was performed for the first time on Corpus Christi Sunday in 1791. The music was combined with a prayer that had been written in the 14th century by Pope Innocent VI.
While Mozart was dying, he composed the Requiem that would be played at his funeral. As his health declined, he realized he was probably writing his final piece of music. The Requiem was incomplete, but it nevertheless was a remarkable piece of music. Johnson says "He completed only the first movement, the Requiem Aeternam and the Kyrie. The second movement, or Dies Irae, and subsequent movements to the Hosias- that is up to and including the ninth- were in draft form." Although it is a Requiem, Johnson points out that there is no sadness to the music. Johnson says "On the contrary, there is a consistent note of gentleness, love, reconciliation, and peace." Perhaps, it was Mozart's believe in the Resurrection of Christ that gave him the grace to write a Requiem at the end of his life that featured hopeful tones and beautiful notes. In any event, it would be Mozart's final work.
In early December of 1791, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart died of "severe camp fever." A life that began surrounded by music ended surrounded by music. Mozart began composing music at age 5 and did not stop until he died. A life that began with music ended with music.
Mozart's Christian faith inspired much of his music. As he left this world and entered eternity he saw Christ - the source of his music and accomplishments. He was reunited with the parents who dutifully raised him and gave him the discipline that was necessary to cultivate his talents. His life had come full circle. He did the best that he could to compose beautiful and incredible music and to live a balanced and good life.
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