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Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born on January 27, 1756 to Leopold and Anna Mozart in the town of Salzburg Austria. Leopold, perhaps the greatest influence on Mozart's life, was the vice Kapellmeister (assistant choir director) to the Archbishop of Salzburg at the time of Mozart's birth. Mozart was actually christened as "Joannes Chrysotomus Wolfgangus Theophilus," but adopted the Latin term "Amadeus" as his name of choice. Mozart was one of seven children born to Leopold and Anna, however, only one other sibling survived. Maria Anna Mozart was affectionately known to her younger brother as "Nannerl." Nannerl and Mozart both exhibited musical abilities at an early age and, with guidance and instruction from their learned father, performed regularly in front of royalty and religious echelons.
Leopold has grown over history to be considered a strict but adoring father to Mozart. In a letter addressed to his son reflecting on the child's early formative years, Leopold wrote
"As a child and a boy you were serious rather than childish and when you sat at the clavier or were otherwise intent on music, no one dared to have the slightest jest with you. Why, even your expression was so solemn that, observing the early efflorescence of your talent and your ever grave and thoughtful little face, many discerning people of different countries sadly doubted whether your life would be a long one." Unfortunately, Mozart's life was a short one. He died just prior to turning 36 years old on December 5, 1791 after suffering an illness which attacked Mozart viciously and rapidly. The rumors of the day included that Mozart had been poisoned, a basis for the musical Amadeus -- which attributes the death of Mozart to the efforts of Antonio Salieri, a rival musician of the day. Despite his relatively short life, Mozart has made a tremendous impact on music even 250 years after his birth. With major compositions ranging from the delightful opera The Magic Flute to dark and powerful scores within his Requiem in D minor, Mozart displayed versatility and an ability to use music to connect the listener with Mozart's soul and spirit. Although Mozart spent a part of his life in the service of the Church, Mozart did not dedicate a great number of his works to the Holy Faith. Mozart's major compositions for church-related purposes included the Requiem mentioned above and the Coronation Mass. Instrumental music was the mainstay of Mozart's composition efforts. When reflecting on Mozart's musical contributions, the student of Mozart will find:
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