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.

Publisher description

First published in Berlin in 1991.

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.

Giving special attention to contemporary recordings and performances which show Mozart's symphonies in their best light, this study explains how his individual sound is achieved, considers problems of eighteenth-century instrumentation, and advances new theories on the composer's life.

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.?

From the immortal sculptures of Michelangelo to the timeless music of Mozart, the world's greatest artists have managed to create works that retain their relevancy through decades and centuries of change. With historical and full-color illustrations and photographs complementing biographical texts, Odysseys in Artistry invites advanced readers along on a journey to experience the lives of famous artists like never before. Side panels and colored glossary terms assist in making the text accessible to a wide range of learners, while a timeline adds further historical context in each sophisticated design. A biography of German-born composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, examining his European travels and interest in opera, as well as some of his greatest compositions.