08 O Mozartovi
About Mozart
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09 život W. A. Mozarta

The life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is one of the most important musical composers of all time, whose genius emerged at a very young age. He was born in Salzburg on January 27, 1756, into a musically inclined family. His father, Leopold Mozart, a prominent musician and teacher, quickly recognized the boy’s exceptional talent and devoted himself passionately to his education.


From the age of five, Wolfgang was already composing music and soon began performing with his sister Nannerl in front of European aristocracy. He met many influential figures during his travels, including Empress Maria Theresa, King Louis XV, and Pope Clement XIV. Mozart composed his first opera by commission at the age of twelve. Through the years of life as a ‘child prodigy’ on the road, he matured prematurely into an original personality, capable of ‘setting trends’ from a very young age.


His musical maturity and constant drive for innovation always went hand in hand with a sense of ease and playfulness. Composing, making music, and living life with humour and passion interested Mozart more than a life in the service of the powerful. He died shortly after the premiere of his now most famous opera, The Magic Flute, at just 35.


10 Dílo W. A. Mozarta

Work of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

At 20, Mozart settled in Vienna, then the center of the world’s musical scene. There, he aimed to establish himself as a freelance composer, which was unusual then. This fact contributed to his high productivity, as he composed operas, symphonies, concertos, and chamber music. Among his most significant works are the operas The Marriage of Figaro (1786), which criticizes the nobility and celebrates humanity; Don Giovanni (1787), a dramatic tale of morality and revenge; and The Magic Flute (1791), a fairy-tale opera filled with symbolism and magical moments.


Among Mozart’s symphonic works, Symphony No. 40 in G minor stands out for its energetic rhythm and dark tones. At the same time, Symphony No. 41 in C major, known as “Jupiter,” represents the pinnacle of his symphonic achievements with its complexity. Mozart also composed numerous instrumental concertos, which are still performed worldwide today, as they allow soloists to showcase their virtuosity and musicality. In his piano concertos’ initial performances, Mozart excelled as a pianist. Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major and Piano Concerto No. 23 in A major are among his most frequently played pieces.


Mozart’s final composition was the Requiem, which he left unfinished after his death on December 5, 1791, at the age of just 35. The Requiem is considered one of the most profound and moving works in classical music.


11 Mozartův Vztah K Praze

What was Mozart's Connection to Prague?

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart had a special connection to Prague and its Czech audience, who loved and admired his music. When he first visited Prague in 1787, he was amazed by the enthusiastic reception of his opera The Marriage of Figaro.


Thanks to this success, Mozart received a commission for a new work for the theatre in Prague, which became the famous opera Don Giovanni. The premiere, which he conducted himself, took place on October 29, 1787, at the Nostitz (now Estates) Theatre, and was another tremendous success. Mozart reportedly remarked, “My Praguers understand me,” reflecting his gratitude and affection for the city.


Mozart’s relationship with Prague continued in later years. In 1791, he composed La clemenza di Tito on commission from the Czech Estates, written for the occasion of Emperor Leopold II’s coronation as King of Bohemia.


Prague was not only a place of professional success for Mozart but also a source of personal joy and inspiration. Among his close friends were composer Franz Xaver Duschek and his wife, singer Josepha Duschek, whom he frequently visited at their villa, Bertramka.


12 Salieri

Mozart and Salieri

The city of Prague is also closely associated with the filming of Amadeus, the most successful movie about Mozart’s life. One of the defining aspects of Mozart’s story today is his complex relationship with the Italian composer Antonio Salieri. Although popular myth, bolstered by the film, suggests a rivalry, historical records refute this view. Salieri was a respected musician and composer at the Viennese court, and although there was a certain degree of professional competitiveness between them, there is also evidence of mutual respect. Salieri admired Mozart’s works and helped in bringing them to the stage. After Mozart’s death, Salieri even taught Mozart’s son, Franz Xaver.


13 Mozart A Praha Dnes

Mozart and Prague today

Prague is the only city where you can visit an authentic theatre from Mozart’s time. Here, you can still feel Mozart’s spirit and walk the same streets he once did. Mozart Interactive Museum is located in these places, right next to St. Nicholas Church, where a grand ceremonial service was held to honour Mozart a week after his death. We honour and love Mozart as well. Come over and experience the story of his life and music!