Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Died On This Day in 1791

Mozart’s exact cause of death is not known, however reports indicate he had been bed ridden for several weeks prior, suffering from swelling, pain and vomiting

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart died on this day in 1791, aged just 35.

He stands as one of the most exceptionally gifted musicians in the history of classical music. Often hailed for his divine inspiration, Mozart dedicated assiduous efforts not only to become an eminent composer, but he was also a masterful conductor, virtuoso pianist, organist, and violinist. His musical legacy encompasses a vast array of genres, including opera, symphony, concerto, chamber, choral, instrumental, and vocal music, showcasing an extraordinary collection of enduring masterpieces.

His father Leopold, also an ambitious composer and violinist, helped foster Mozart's prodigious talent, showcasing his sons abilities around Europe.

At the age of 11, Mozart composed his first opera, Apollo et Hyacinthus. In August 1782, he entered into a seemingly content marriage with Constanze Weber. Their union, marked by Constanze's easy-going nature and frequent pregnancies, yielded six children, though only two survived.

Post-marriage, Mozart's creative zenith unfolded, producing masterpieces such as the Haffner and Linz symphonies and five string quartets. Between 1784 and 1786, he composed nine piano concertos, concurrently with The Marriage of Figaro.

The pinnacle of 1787 witnessed the premiere of Mozart's second opera, Don Giovanni, launching a remarkable run of successes in his final years. Notable compositions during this period include Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, the Clarinet Quintet in A, three symphonies, Così fan tutte, three piano trios, the Coronation piano concerto, two piano sonatas, and three string quartets.

Despite a decline in health in 1790, Mozart rebounded and, in 1791 alone, created some of his most renowned works—The Magic Flute, the unfinished Requiem, and the Clarinet Concerto.

Regrettably, Mozart's life was cut short, and he passed away in Vienna in 1791, at 35 years old- leaving the Requiem unfinished

Whilst many hypotheses exist, official Viennese records state “hitziges Frieselfieber” – severe military fever.

MOZART | VIOLIN CONCERTO NO. 1 IN G MAJOR | ITZHAK PERLMAN | AKIYAMA KAZUYOSHI & THE TOKYO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA | 1991