( 1756 - 1791 )

As we all know that Mozart was a child prodigy. Born on the 27 of
January, 1756, in Salzburg, Austria, he could pick out tunes on the
harpsichord at three, play a violin at four and was composing his own
music by the time he gave his first public performance at five and a half.
By the time he was twelve he had written three operas, six symphonies
and hundreds of other works. Mozart's father was an accomplished
violinist in Salzburg playing for the Archbishop.He saw the potential
earning power of Wolfgang's extraordinary talents, and set about
arranging tours of Europe to show off this unique musical gift and
also to secure an independent future for his son. From the age of six,
Mozart spent the next eleven years of his life on tour. Together with
his sister, who play the harpsicord, they gave exhibition performance
in all the great cities and in all the best houses. This unnatural life of
continuous travel took its toll on Mozart's health and personality. As
a result, he was smaller and thinner than other children of his age and
was constantly laid low by lifethreating illness, including tyhoid, which
dogged him all his life. His sunny disposition gained him popularity
and he was instantly at ease with all the new people he met. As he was
always on the move, he had very little opportunity to form any close
relationships and he had no real friends. At the age of 17, Mozart
returned home from his tour. Four years later, he, with the company
of his mother, went on a concert tour of Germany. He accepted a steady
jod as organist to the Archbishop of Salzburg after his mother died in
July, 1777. However, he did not stay long. Finding out that the restrictions
were intolerable, he resigned and went to Vienna. In 1782, he married
Constanza ignoring his father's objection. Their relationship was not
passionate, but both were fun-loving and enjoyed each other's company.
Even though Mozart was very well paid, but neither he nor Constanza had
any idea how to organise their finances. Therefore, they are always shot
of money. He needed a post at Court to provide him with the patronage
and stability he can depend on. The opportunity presented itself in 1787.
The Emperor Joseph II was enthusiastic about Mozart's work but the
Court favoured his rival, Italian composer Antonio Salieri. He was bitterly
disappointed when the Emperor appointed Salieri royal orchestra master,
and he had to be content with being composing dances and light music
to order. During his last four years of his life, in extreme poverty and
debt, Mozart created some of his finest works, including Don Giovanni
and the Magic flute. By autumn 1891, Mozart was very ill and was
confined to his bed by 20 November. On first of December he was
appointed musical director of St Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna, which
would have solved his finance problems, but he died four days later.
Though Mozart was not able to develop a personality capable of
achieving a happy or fulfilled life, but somehow the most beautiful music
just flowed from him. He was one of the greatest creative geniuses ever
known.