Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Milestones

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was an Austrian composer and prodigy, creator of timeless operas and symphonies like The Marriage of Figaro, and a central figure in classical music history.
1756

Birth

Born in Salzburg, Austria, to Leopold Mozart, a composer and teacher, and Anna Maria Pertl. Baptised 28 January 1756 at St. Rupert's Cathedral.

Family January 27, 1756
1760

Early musical training

Taught keyboard and violin by his father Leopold; showed exceptional talent from age 3.

Education January 1, 1760 - December 31, 1761
1761

First compositions

Composed first pieces at age 5, written down by his father in the Nannerl Notenbuch.

Achievement January 1, 1761 - December 31, 1764
1762

Child prodigy tours

Toured Europe with his family, performing for royalty in Munich, Vienna, Paris, London, The Hague, and more. Influenced by meeting J.C. Bach in London.

Achievement January 1, 1762 - December 31, 1766
1764

Composed first symphony

Composed his first symphony (K.16) in London at age 8.

Achievement January 1, 1764
1767

Further European tours

Continued to perform and compose across Europe, including Vienna and other cities.

Achievement January 1, 1767 - December 12, 1769
1769

Appointed concertmaster at Salzburg

Appointed concertmaster at the Salzburg court by Prince-Archbishop Hieronymus Colloredo.

Career December 1, 1769

First Italian tour and operas

Traveled to Italy with his father; composed operas including Mitridate, re di Ponto (1770), Ascanio in Alba (1771), and Lucio Silla (1772). Inducted into Accademia Filarmonica di Bologna.

Achievement December 13, 1769 - March 13, 1773
1773

Violin concertos and Salzburg works

Composed violin concertos, masses, serenades, and La finta giardiniera (1775) in Salzburg.

Achievement March 14, 1773 - August 22, 1777
1777

Journey to Paris and mother's death

Traveled to Augsburg, Mannheim, and Paris seeking employment; mother Anna Maria died in Paris 3 July 1778. Composed Paris Symphony and other works.

Other September 23, 1777 - January 15, 1779
1779

Returned to Salzburg as court organist

Returned to Salzburg as court organist and concertmaster; composed masses and symphonies but was dissatisfied with prospects.

Career January 16, 1779 - March 15, 1781
1781

Premiered 'Idomeneo'

Opera 'Idomeneo' premiered in Munich to great success.

Achievement January 29, 1781

Moved to Vienna

Moved to Vienna after quarrel with Archbishop Colloredo; began career as freelance composer and performer.

Location March 16, 1781
1782

Premiered 'Die Entführung aus dem Serail'

Opera 'Die Entführung aus dem Serail' premiered, establishing Mozart's reputation in Vienna.

Achievement July 16, 1782

Married Constanze Weber

Married Constanze Weber in Vienna. They had six children, two of whom survived infancy.

Relationship August 4, 1782
1784

Collaboration with Haydn and Freemasonry

Befriended Joseph Haydn and joined the Freemasons, influencing his social and musical life.

Other January 1, 1784 - December 5, 1791

Piano concertos and chamber music

Composed many piano concertos and chamber works, performed as Vienna's leading keyboard virtuoso.

Achievement January 1, 1784 - December 31, 1787
1786

Premiered 'The Marriage of Figaro'

Premiered 'The Marriage of Figaro,' his first collaboration with librettist Lorenzo Da Ponte.

Achievement May 1, 1786
1787

Premiered 'Don Giovanni'

Premiered 'Don Giovanni' in Prague, another Da Ponte collaboration.

Achievement October 29, 1787

Appointed Imperial chamber composer

Appointed Imperial chamber composer to Emperor Joseph II.

Career December 7, 1787
1788

Financial struggles and travels

Faced financial difficulties; composed last three symphonies (Nos. 39–41), traveled to Leipzig, Dresden, Berlin, and Frankfurt.

Other January 1, 1788 - December 31, 1790
1790

Premiered 'Così fan tutte'

Premiered 'Così fan tutte,' third Da Ponte opera.

Achievement January 26, 1790
1791

Premiered 'La clemenza di Tito'

'La clemenza di Tito' premiered in Prague for Emperor Leopold II's coronation.

Achievement September 6, 1791

Premiered 'The Magic Flute'

Premiered 'The Magic Flute,' his last completed opera, in Vienna.

Achievement September 30, 1791

Final works and illness

Composed Clarinet Concerto, final piano concerto, and began Requiem. Fell ill after Magic Flute premiere.

Other October 1, 1791 - December 5, 1791

Death

Died in Vienna at age 35. Buried in St. Marx Cemetery. Left a legacy of over 600 works, including symphonies, operas, concertos, and chamber music.

Other December 5, 1791