Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Timeline

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart 24

1756 – 1791 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Austrian composer and musical prodigy Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was one of the greatest composers in Western classical music history. Born in Salzburg, he demonstrated extraordinary musical ability from early childhood and composed more than 600 works including operas, symphonies, chamber music, concertos and sacred compositions. His influence shaped Classical music and continued to impact composers for centuries after his death.
1761 Mozart begins composing Early childhood compositions At around five years old, Mozart began composing short keyboard pieces under the guidance of his father Leopold Mozart. His extraordinary musical talent quickly attracted attention across Europe.
1762 Performs before Empress Maria Theresa Concerts in Vienna Mozart and his sister Maria Anna performed before Empress Maria Theresa in Vienna, marking the beginning of Mozart's international reputation as a child prodigy.
1763 – 1766 Grand European tour Mozart tours Europe as child prodigy Mozart traveled extensively through Germany, France, England, the Netherlands and other European regions. The tour exposed him to major musical traditions and influential composers while establishing his reputation throughout Europe.
1764 Mozart composes first symphony Symphony No. 1 in E-flat major During a stay in London, Mozart composed his first symphony at the age of eight, demonstrating remarkable understanding of orchestral composition.
1768 La finta semplice Mozart's first opera Mozart composed his first full opera, La finta semplice, while still a child. The work demonstrated his early mastery of operatic structure and melody.
1769 – 1773 Mozart tours Italy Italian musical education and opera success Mozart made several journeys to Italy where he studied Italian opera, performed before aristocratic audiences and gained recognition from leading musicians of the era.
1770 Mitridate, re di Ponto premieres Successful opera in Milan Mozart's opera Mitridate premiered in Milan and achieved major success, confirming his growing reputation as an opera composer.
1773 – 1781 Mozart employed by Salzburg court Service under Archbishop Colloredo Mozart worked as a court musician in Salzburg but increasingly sought greater artistic freedom beyond the restrictions of court employment.
1775 Violin concertos completed Major orchestral compositions Mozart composed his celebrated violin concertos, which became central works in the violin repertoire.
1777 – 1779 Journey to Mannheim and Paris Search for employment and artistic opportunity Mozart traveled with his mother in search of better employment opportunities. During this period he encountered influential orchestras and composers while refining his musical style.
1778 Death of Mozart's mother Personal tragedy in Paris Mozart's mother Anna Maria Mozart died while accompanying him in Paris, deeply affecting the composer emotionally and personally.
1781 Mozart leaves Salzburg court Begins independent career in Vienna Following disputes with Archbishop Colloredo, Mozart resigned from Salzburg service and moved to Vienna to pursue an independent career as composer and performer.
1782 The Abduction from the Seraglio premieres German-language opera success Die Entführung aus dem Serail became one of Mozart's first major successes in Vienna and helped establish German opera traditions.
1782 Marriage to Constanze Weber Mozart marries in Vienna Mozart married Constanze Weber despite opposition from his father. Their marriage produced six children, though only two survived into adulthood.
1784 – 1786 Peak piano concerto period Mozart dominates Vienna concert scene Mozart composed many of his greatest piano concertos during this period while achieving fame as both composer and pianist in Vienna.
1786 The Marriage of Figaro premieres Revolutionary comic opera Le nozze di Figaro premiered in Vienna with a libretto by Lorenzo Da Ponte. The opera became one of Mozart's greatest masterpieces and transformed comic opera through psychological depth and musical sophistication.
1787 Don Giovanni premieres Masterpiece opera debuts in Prague Don Giovanni combined comedy, drama and tragedy in innovative ways and became one of the defining operas of Western music.
1787 Mozart appointed Imperial Chamber Composer Official recognition in Vienna Emperor Joseph II appointed Mozart as Kammermusicus, giving him a stable but modest imperial court position.
1788 Final three symphonies composed Symphonies Nos. 39, 40 and 41 Mozart composed his final three symphonies in rapid succession. Symphony No. 41, later called Jupiter, became one of the greatest achievements in orchestral music.
1790 Mozart faces financial difficulties Declining patronage and debt Despite artistic success, Mozart experienced serious financial problems caused by unstable income, expensive living and reduced aristocratic patronage.
1791 Requiem left unfinished Final composition becomes legendary Mozart's Requiem Mass remained unfinished at his death and was later completed by Franz Xaver Süssmayr. The work became one of the most famous sacred compositions in music history.
1791 The Magic Flute premieres Popular opera achieves major success Die Zauberflöte premiered in Vienna and became one of Mozart's most beloved works, combining fantasy, symbolism and memorable music.
1791 Death of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Composer dies aged 35 Mozart died in Vienna at the age of 35 while working on his unfinished Requiem. The exact cause of death remains debated, but his music continued to grow in influence after his death.