Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Lindsay Boulerice
Background:
Germany was under a time of uncertainty, recently affected by the Thirty Years War the economy and culture was undergoing some difficult times and struggles. Many influences were continuously attempting to dominate the culture, French classicism, and the divisions between a Catholic southand a Protestant northmade it very hard for Germany to create an identity all its own. Germany was segmented into many smaller states as opposed to one big nation creating feelings of regionalism amongst the citizens.[1]
Turning Point:
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart started creating beautiful music at a very young age. His first written music is estimated to be roughly from when he was age six, however some of those original pieces are assumed to have been adjusted to fit a contemporary style of the time. Learning to adjust his music to what people enjoyed most helped Mozart establish his musical career. He was one of few artists of the time that identified himself as a “German artist”,generally the musicians would claim to be from the particular province in which they were born. Later in life Mozart began to write opera, during this period of time with such high political corruption the plays were intended to demonstrate morality and honesty. Mozart intended to write German opera which broke away from traditional Italian opera that was appreciated most during the time period.[2]
Mozart had a way of creating music through orchestras and solos that reflected human emotion. He was incredibly invested in his music and other than teaching scarcely on the side he relied primarily onsellinghismusic to keep him financially afloat. He had an amazing ability to replay compositions that he overheard, and to compose string quartets and piano concertos with a large range of textural instrumental style.[3]
Mozart died in 1791, after the creation of countless masterpieces. Still to this day it is uncertain as to where the artist is buried, but due to regulations of the time he was buried in a mass grave.[4] Centuries later his music is still appreciated and enjoyed by people all over the world.
Effect:
Mozart’s’ music was influential because it allowed for emotion to be present on a new level through musical compositions. Mozart demonstrates curiosity through his music by creating pieces that were different from the typical music being composed at the time. Through a life of playing for emperors and private concerts Mozart established himself as one of the greatest composers in history. [5]
[1] Till. The German Artist. Pg. 45-50.
[2] Till. The German Artist. 50-52.
[3] Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Metropolitan Opera Encyclopedia.
[4] Mozart. Opera: The Great Composers and Their Masterworks.
[5]Schnek, Erich. The Favorite of Society.Mozart and His Times.
Bibliography:
Mozart. Opera: The Great Composers and Their Masterworks. Octopus Publishing Company. 2008
Schenk, Erich. The Favorite of Society.Mozart and His Times. Alfred A. Knopf Incorporated. 1959. Pg. 333-340.
Till, Nicholas.The German Artist.Mozart and the Enlightenment. W.W. Norton and Company. London. 1992. Pg. 45-52
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Metropolitan Opera Encyclopedia, A Comprehensive Guide to the World of Opera.Metropolitan Opera Guide. 1987.
Lindsay Boulerice
Background:
Germany was under a time of uncertainty, recently affected by the Thirty Years War the economy and culture was undergoing some difficult times and struggles. Many influences were continuously attempting to dominate the culture, French classicism, and the divisions between a Catholic southand a Protestant northmade it very hard for Germany to create an identity all its own. Germany was segmented into many smaller states as opposed to one big nation creating feelings of regionalism amongst the citizens.[1]
Turning Point:
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart started creating beautiful music at a very young age. His first written music is estimated to be roughly from when he was age six, however some of those original pieces are assumed to have been adjusted to fit a contemporary style of the time. Learning to adjust his music to what people enjoyed most helped Mozart establish his musical career. He was one of few artists of the time that identified himself as a “German artist”,generally the musicians would claim to be from the particular province in which they were born. Later in life Mozart began to write opera, during this period of time with such high political corruption the plays were intended to demonstrate morality and honesty. Mozart intended to write German opera which broke away from traditional Italian opera that was appreciated most during the time period.[2]
Mozart had a way of creating music through orchestras and solos that reflected human emotion. He was incredibly invested in his music and other than teaching scarcely on the side he relied primarily onsellinghismusic to keep him financially afloat. He had an amazing ability to replay compositions that he overheard, and to compose string quartets and piano concertos with a large range of textural instrumental style.[3]
Mozart died in 1791, after the creation of countless masterpieces. Still to this day it is uncertain as to where the artist is buried, but due to regulations of the time he was buried in a mass grave.[4] Centuries later his music is still appreciated and enjoyed by people all over the world.
Effect:
Mozart’s’ music was influential because it allowed for emotion to be present on a new level through musical compositions. Mozart demonstrates curiosity through his music by creating pieces that were different from the typical music being composed at the time. Through a life of playing for emperors and private concerts Mozart established himself as one of the greatest composers in history. [5]
[1] Till. The German Artist. Pg. 45-50.
[2] Till. The German Artist. 50-52.
[3] Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Metropolitan Opera Encyclopedia.
[4] Mozart. Opera: The Great Composers and Their Masterworks.
[5]Schnek, Erich. The Favorite of Society.Mozart and His Times.
Bibliography:
Mozart. Opera: The Great Composers and Their Masterworks. Octopus Publishing Company. 2008
Schenk, Erich. The Favorite of Society.Mozart and His Times. Alfred A. Knopf Incorporated. 1959. Pg. 333-340.
Till, Nicholas.The German Artist.Mozart and the Enlightenment. W.W. Norton and Company. London. 1992. Pg. 45-52
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Metropolitan Opera Encyclopedia, A Comprehensive Guide to the World of Opera.Metropolitan Opera Guide. 1987.