Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791), b. Salzburg:  He constitutes one of the "Big Three" of the Viennese School (besides Beethoven and Haydn).  As an undisputed genius, Mozart's music represents the culmination of  eighteenth century classic tradition.  He broadened the classic structure, established the modern piano concerto, and expanded the opera and the function of harmony.

     Mozart's father, Leopold Mozart, was an accomplished composer who worked for the archbishop of Salzburg.  Leopold recognized his son's genius early on, as the latter quickly mastered the harpsichord and began to compose at six years old. Wolfgang went on to write his first opera at age eleven.  Father and son took on several tours to perform in major European cities in hope of establishing young Mozart's credentials as a musician as well as making some money.  Afterward, Mozart followed his father's footstep and entered into the service of the archbishop of Salzburg, Prince Colloredo, whom he thoroughly disliked.

     In 1781, Mozart discontinued his service under the prince and travelled to Vienna.  There, he lived as a free artist by publishing music and teaching.  By 1782, he and Constanze Weber were happily  married, and he became a friend of Haydn. Unfortunately, after 1786, the demand for his teaching and composition began to subside.  Unable to obtain a lucrative position and to control his generous spending habits, Mozart quickly fell into heavy debt.  He became very ill and died on December 5, 1791 at age thirty-five.  His burial was not at all glamorous, as his coffin was laid in a common grave outside the city.

     Mozart was much more inclined to compose operatic pieces than Haydn.  He was also famous for his piano concertos and symphonies.  Mozart's greatest compositions came at the end of his life.  He composed around 50 symphonies (although the last one is classified as Symphony No. 41), 23 piano concertos, symphonies concertantes, 26 string quartets, string quintets, over 20 piano sonatas, many keen and witty operas, and the Requiem Mass (commissioned by Count Franz Walsegg and supposedly finished by Mozart's pupil Franz Sussmayr).  His operas sustain three divisions:  Italian serious, Italian comic, and Singspiel (German sentimental).  In the arena of operatic composition, Mozart's figure looms like a Titan and remains unsurpassed until this day.  Those who are interested in the subtlety of Mozart's commentaries on life should consult music libraries for CD recordings or attend a production in person.  I wholeheartedly recommend it.