History Chart: The Death of Mozart (December 5, 1791)

>> Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Born on January 27, 1756, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was the youngest of the seven children. He was also one of the only two who survived, as the rest of his siblings died during early childhood. People consider him to be a musical genius even at an early age. At age 3, he already learned to play the clavichord. He wrote musical compositions as early as four years old and his public performance was set at age 5. Mozart then became one of the most influential classical musicians of his time and even beyond his death on December 5, 1791.

Mozart's music

Mozart's musical compositions are known for their natural flow and charm. They express different emotions--humor, sorrow, or joy. He was also known for his operas, piano concertos, and symphonies, which exemplify musical mastery. As a versatile composer of his time, Mozart was also involved in chamber music and also wrote religious music. Johann Nepomuk Hummel and Ludwig van Beethoven were among the popular musicians who were deeply inspired by Mozart.

The final days of Mozart

Mozart was in Prague for the La clemenza di Tito opera premiere when he started to become ill. Though he still conducted for the The Magic Flute premiere, as days passed, his illness became more severe until he was bedridden. He suffered from pain, vomiting, and swelling. Mozart's death remains unknown, though some records claim that he suffered from "severe miliary fever." Others said it was trichinosis, influenza, a kidney ailment, or even mercury poisoning. But many believe that he died of acute rheumatic fever since he had attacks when he was a child.

Mozart is described thin and pale, which is a stark contrast to his powerful music and influential compositions. Though he died at a very young age of 35, he was able to contribute much to musical history, experimenting with different musical genre and evoking varied emotions every time.

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