Who Was Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Explores the life and work of the prolific eighteenth-century Austrian composer who began life as a child prodigy, composing music at the age of five, and died a pauper at age thirty-five.

Describes the life of the eighteenth-century Austrian composer, a musical prodigy who learned to write music before he could write letters and grew up to become Imperial Court Composer to Emperor Joseph.

First published in Berlin in 1991.

Music moves through time; it is not static. In order to appreciate music wemust remember what sounds happened, and anticipate what sounds might comenext. This book takes you on a journey of music from past to present, from the Middle Ages to the Baroque Period to the 20th century and beyond!

Publisher description

Over 100 often hilarious, sometimes sad, but always articulate letters from one of the most charismatic composers in history. Features his witty observations of royalty and their patronage, music, his family, his poverty, more.

As a little boy, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart began writing musical compositions when most kids his age were still learning to read. By the time he was seven, Mozart was an accomplished musician who could play several instruments and also sing. Accompanied by his older sister, Nannerl, and his father, Leopold, young Wolfgang toured Europe. He performed before royalty and some of the richest members of society. By the time he was twelve, Wolfgang was famous. He first tasted failure as a teenager, as audiences ignored his operas, and he had trouble making money. He began to be known for his bad jokes and relentless pursuit of women. He eventually married the sister of the woman who broke his heart. In adulthood, Mozart's problems grew. He couldn't keep a job. He was usually broke. One of the greatest composers the world had ever known was forced to make a living giving piano lessons. Yet today, he is one of the most celebrated and respected composers of all time.