Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was an influential, famous, prolific classical composer. He wrote nearly 600 works, including some of the most well-known and beloved symphonic, chamber, operatic, and choral works. He was born into a musical household in Salzburg. But did you know Antonio Salieri was blamed for his death?
When Mozart died unexpectedly at age 35, suspicions spread that he had been poisoned by his colleague Antonio Salieri. The accusations and public belief contributed to Salieri’s nervous breakdowns later in life despite being proven false.
How Did Antonio Salieri Become Friends with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart?
Rumors of a rivalry between the composers have circulated since they first met in the 1770s. Salieri, an Italian, was Emperor Joseph II’s court composer and was already well-known for his theatrical triumphs when Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, five years his junior, came into the music scene. Historians assume that any animosity between the men sprang from Mozart rather than Salieri—the Austrian complained about the Italian dominance in the court and may have considered Salieri an impediment to his success.
After Mozart died in 1791, rumors circulated that Salieri despised him and even attempted to poison him. Though Salieri attended Mozart’s burial and later taught the composer’s son, he was soon associated with terrible claims that he had caused the composer’s death. (Source: Smithsonian Magazine)
What Inspired Mozart to Compose Music?
While he must have been born with a highly exceptional mind, he was influenced by so many things in his life. He attained a level of greatness in his day that has lasted into ours. Mozart was affected and inspired by his surroundings. (Source: Spinditty)
The Enlightenment in Europe
Vienna and all of Europe were experiencing the Enlightenment when Mozart discovered his own musical identity. Along with their wits, Europeans were broadening their theatrical and musical horizons. He was able to choose a pretty unique path because of this. Instead of relying entirely on a musical profession established by the church, he started a freelance musical career of his own volition. (Source: Spinditty)
His Father
Mozart’s father, Leopold, had the most influence on him. His father not only gave up his musical ambitions to instruct him but also exposed him to a wide range of experiences to broaden his mind. Leopold spent most of his life attempting to turn Mozart into a child prodigy. By the age of four, he was writing minuets; by the age of six, he was proficient on the violin. He had also performed on the harpsichord for the Hapsburg imperial family when he was six years old. Like his older sister Maria Anna, he was an accomplished piano player. (Source: Spinditty)
The Catholic Church
The Catholic Church also had an impact on Mozart. From 1774 through 1781, he worked for the Salzburg Court. His father had persuaded him to accept a position as Court Organist. He composed holy music and chamber music for the church while there. He also composed piano sonatas, violin and piano sonatas, serenades, and violin concertos. The church provided him with a setting where he could compose, play, and practice as much as he wished. (Source: Spinditty)
Image from Orchestrastory