Pure Voice of Genius
Wolfgang Amadeus
Mozart
When?
January 27 1756
December 5 1791, age 35
Where?
Salzburg, Austria
Mozart was a
Classical
composer.
When Mozart was only six years old, his father took Mozart on tour, playing keyboard for Kings and queens all over Europe.
Mozart could make up music on the spot. He wrote his first symphony at eight and an entire opera when he was twelve!
Mozart composed during the Classical period, a time when songs were simpler than the Baroque period. Very often melodies would repeat like a chorus in pop music.
His music could be light and fun, but also dark and stormy. His opera, “The Magic Flute,” is full of colorful characters like a silly bird catcher but his Symphony No. 40 is very serious and even a little scary!
Mozart’s music sounds clear and balanced. Instead of sounding busy all the time, like Baroque music. It is easier to follow with fewer musical ideas happening at once.
During his life Mozart wrote over 600 pieces of music, including more than 40 symphonies and 27 piano concertos. And he only lived for thirty-five years!
Fun Facts
Both Maestros
Brain Power!
Scientists have discovered something called “the Mozart effect,” which
suggests that listening to Mozart’s music may improve brain power and help you focus.
Both Maestros
Musical Memory
Mozart had an amazing memory for music. He could compose entire pieces in his head and then write them down later!
Both Maestros
Hide and Seek
To show off his talent, sometimes Mozart played the keyboard with his eyes covered.
