One of the widely appreciated prominent musical maestros to have lived; Mozart was born on January 27, 1756 in Salzburg, Austria to Leopold Mozart (a business-minded composer, violinist and an assistant concertmaster at the Salzburg court) and Anna Maria Pertl. He was named Johannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Gottlieb Mozart in honor of his grandfather (maternal) and a Saint, Johannes Chrysostomus with whom he shared his birth date. Being born and brought up in a family where music was in the air, and was life and dreams of everyone, Mozart was naturally attracted towards music. From his childhood, Wolfgang learned and developed immense interest in music. When he was just 5 years old, Mozart started composing small and beautiful melodious numbers. Looking at his children's musical talent, Mozart's father decided to use this opportunity to showcase the talent of his children (Wolfgang and elder daughter Maria Anna "Nannerl") in front of the world. At the age of six (in mid 1763), Mozart and his elder sister performed in many concerts in European Courts (in Paris and London); they also gave performances at major cities where they met many music lovers. They also performed in front of the Bavarian elector, royal families and the Austrian empress. Wolfgang and his sister played piano and violin and were more than successful to tie their audiences to the chairs. Mozart and His Years of Struggle Soon, Wolfgang wrote and published his first composition and when he was nine years old, he started writing symphonies. Demand for his music show started increasing so much that only nine months after coming back from his tour in 1766, the Mozart family again set for yet another tour of Vienna. However, due to some problems, Mozart could not perform in an opera in Vienna. After coming from the tour of Vienna, Wolfgang tried to concentrate on improving and learning new skills in music, for this reason he did not plan any tour till 1770. In next three years from 1770 to 1773, Mozart toured Italy three times and gave many outstanding performances. While on a tour of Italy, Mozart even wrote two of his famous operas 'Mitridate' and 'Lucio Silla'. Mozart showcased his talent and astonished his audience when he adopted Italian style in his music. Mozart further started his journey of music composition, he wrote a set of string quartets and also some symphonies. When Mozart was at Salzburg during the period from 1774 to 1777, he worked as Konzertmeister (Concertmaster) at the Prince Archbishop's Court where he performed in some piano and violin concerts (about half a dozen piano sonatas), masses, symphonies, etc. During the same period, he visited Munich once in 1775 for a premier of his Opera La Finta giardiniera. Wolfgang was very ambitious and wanted to obtain a very high position in the world of music, he knew that by staying in Salzburg it was never possible to achieve what he wanted; in 1777, Mozart left Salzburg with his mother and set for Munich and Mannheim. There he tried his best to find a good post for himself but was never offered one, he then moved to Paris in search of the same. In Paris, Anna Maria (Wolfgang's mother) died and Wolfgang became very lonely, here also Wolfgang could not get any suitable post for himself. After all his unsuccessful trials, Leopold called him back to Salzburg, where he managed to arrange a high level post for his son. For next two years, Wolfgang, worked at Court and played concerts at Courts and Cathedrals. He actively participated in concerts, serenades and also composed music for dramas. He also continued composing and creating symphonies. In 1780, he received the most awaited opportunity to perform in an opera at Munich. Love, Longing and Marriage It was during this time that Mozart's love interest, Aloysia Weber, refused to reciprocate the same feeling of affection. She was a previous acquaintance and had once claimed to love him, however, it is believed that once she became famous as a soprano, her feelings for a not so famous Mozart waned and fame took predominance. Along with many concerts, operas and music composition for dramas, Mozart also wrote beautiful music compositions, which have become the masterpiece of his artwork. Mozart was sent to the court at Vienna where he was not allowed to work for the post he wanted the most, he finally gave up trying to perform at the court in Vienna and got out of the job in 1781. After that period, Mozart received many golden opportunities to make a fortune when he created music while he was not at any post. Soon, Mozart started going in public, he played music in public functions, published his work and also started teaching music. Further in 1787, Mozart was offered a minor court post, where he wrote dance music for court balls. In the year 1782, Mozart married Constanze Weber (younger sister of Aloysia Weber, Mozart's former lover). He had six children with Constanza, out of which only two sons survived infancy. While the sister Aloysia always remained in close bonds with her sister, irrespective of past affairs. Financial Problems and Further Struggles Mozart gained a reasonable popularity by publishing some beautiful sonatas (for violin and piano), music compositions, and by performing in concerts and Operas like 'Die Entfuhrung aus dem Serail'. The year 1782 was one of his most successful operas with many songs in it. Mozart wrote serious as well as comic operas (he wrote three comic operas in his life), he also wrote some quartets, which he had dedicated to Haydn who appreciated Mozart for his knowledge of music and composition talent. Mozart also gained popularity by managing concerts on his own, without any assistance, he not only composed music for the concert but he also managed the orchestra. Mozart earned enough to live a comfortable life, but because of his improper management of money and expenses, he was never able to save money for future and always had to borrow from others when he was in need of money. Financial troubles continued, and there are several letters that were written; requesting for loans from friends. Times were hard, because of the Austrian war, which punctured the spending abilities of the rich. Musicians and theater artists suffered profoundly. Mozart and His Masterpieces Mozart spent the rest of his life in Vienna; during this period he also visited various places such as Salzburg, Berlin, etc., to perform in operas, dramas and concerts. It was during the last few years before his death, did he compose the most brilliant pieces of sonata, compositions and music. They were:

• The Magic Flute
• K. 595 in B-flat
• Clarinet Concerto K. 622
• K. 614 in E-flat
• The motet Ave verum corpus K. 618
• Unfinished Requiem K. 626

Mozart died on December 5, 1791 in Vienna. There are different stories regarding the death of musical genius, according to one story he died of the feverish illness (rheumatic fever) and according to another, he died of poisoning. Mozart composed hundreds of beautiful and unique music works which include over 20 operas, about 14-15 masses, 30-40 concerts (piano and violin), 50-60 symphonies, and 20 sonatas, etc. Even after his death, Mozart remained and will remain one of the most favorite musicians for millions of his fans.