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Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Born: 1756 Died: 1791
Probably the greatest genius in Western musical history, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in Salzburg, Austria, Jan. 27, 1756, the son of Leopold Mozart and his wife, Anna Maria Pertl. Leopold was a successful composer, violinist and assistant concertmaster at the Salzburg court.
Wolfgang began composing minuets at the age of 5 and symphonies at 9. When he was 6, he and his older sister, Maria Anna (who was nicknamed "Nannerl"), performed a series of concerts to Europe's courts and major cities. Both children played the keyboard, but Wolfgang became a violin virtuoso as well.
In 1762 the Mozart children played at court in Vienna; the Empress Maria Theresa and her husband, Emperor Francis I, received them. From 1763 - 66, the Mozart children displayed their talents to audiences in Germany, Paris, at court in Versailles, and London (where Wolfgang wrote his first symphonies and began a friendship with Johann Christian Bach, whose became a great musical influence on Wolfgang). In Paris, the young Mozart published his first works, four sonatas for clavier with accompanying violin (1764). In 1768 he composed his first opera, La Finta Semplice, which had its premiere in Salzburg. In 1769-70, Leopold and Wolfgang undertook a tour through Italy. This first Italian trip culminated in a new opera, Mitridate, re di Ponto, composed for Milan. In two further Italian journeys he wrote two more operas for Milan, Ascanio in Alba (1771) and Lucio Silla (1772).
In 1772, Archbishop von Schrattenbach died, to be succeeded by Hieronymus von Colloredo. The latter, at first sympathetic to the Mozarts, later became irritated by Wolfgang's prolonged absences and stubborn ways. In 1772, von Colloredo retained Wolfgang as concertmaster at a token salary. In this capacity Mozart composed a large number of sacred and secular works. Wishing to secure a better position outside Salzburg, he obtained permission to undertake another journey in 1777. With his mother he traveled to France, where he composed the Paris Symphony (1778) but he was unable to find a permanent position. His mother died in Paris.
When he returned to Salzburg he was given the position of court organist (1779) and produced a splendid series of church works, including the famous Coronation Mass. He was commissioned to compose a new opera for Munich, Idomeneo (1781), that proved he was a consummate master of opera seria. Summoned by von Colloredo to Vienna in 1781 he was dismissed after a series of arguments.
Mozart's career in Vienna began promisingly, and he was soon commissioned to write The Abduction from the Seraglio (1782). His concerts were a great success, and the emperor, Joseph II, encouraged him, later engaging him as court composer. In 1782 the now-popular Mozart married Constanze Weber from Germany, much to his father's dismay. The young pair visited Salzburg in 1783; there, the Kyrie and Gloria of Mozart's great Mass in C Minor, composed in Vienna and never finished, were performed. Mozart's greatest success was Le Nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro) (1786), composed for the Vienna Opera. The great piano concertos and the string quartets dedicated to his "dear friend" Josef Haydn were also composed during this period.
Mozart's fame began to disappear after Figaro. The nobility and court grew increasingly nervous about his revolutionary ideas as seen in Figaro. He sank into debt and was assisted by a brother Freemason, Michael Puchberg (Mozart had joined the Masons in 1784 and remained an outspoken member until his death). His greatest operatic success after Figaro was Don Giovanni (1787), composed for Prague, where Mozart's art was especially appreciated. This was followed in 1790 by Cosi fan tutte, the third and final libretto provided by the Italian poet Lorenzo Da Ponte; and in 1791 by Die Zauberflote (The Magic Flute), produced by a suburban theater in Vienna. During this period of financial strain, Mozart composed his last three symphonies (E flat, G minor, and the Jupiter in C) in less than 7 weeks (summer 1788). These had been preceded by a great series of string quintets, including the two in C and in G minor (1787).
In 1791, Mozart was commissioned to write a requiem (unfinished). He was at the time quite ill--he had never known very good health--and imagined that the work was for himself, which it proved to be. His death, on Dec. 5, 1791, which gave rise to false rumors of poisoning, is thought to have resulted from rheumatic fever, a disease which he had suffered from repeatedly throught his life. After a cheap funeral at Saint Stephen's Cathedral, he was buried in an unmarked grave at the cemetery of Saint Marx, a Viennese suburb. Much has been made of this, but at that time such burial was legally required for all Viennese except those of noble or aristocratic birth.
Mozart excelled in every form in which he composed. His contemporaries found the restless ambivalence and complicated emotional content of his music difficult to understand. Accustomed to the light, superficial style of rococo music, his aristocratic audiences could not accept the music's complexity and depth. Yet, with Josef Haydn, Mozart perfected the grand forms of symphony, opera, string quartet, and concerto that marked the classical period in music. In his operas Mozart's uncanny psychological insight is unique in musical history. His music informed the work of the later Haydn and of the next generation of composers, most notably Beethoven. The brilliance of his work continued until the end, although darker themes of poignancy and isolation grew more marked in his last years, and his compositions continue to exert a particular fascination for musicians and music lovers.
Featured Items (See Related Items.)
Displaying 1-12 of 12 items.
Review: Here is a collection of vocal exercises written my the master himself. The Solfeggi are to be sung on all vowels with and without the supporting consonants. The execution should be legato throughout except when they are staccato dots. The editor has added breath marks and slurs which are to be taken to indicate the breathing. Challenging but highly rewarding and effective.
Songlist: Solfeggio 1, Solfeggio 2, Solfeggio 3, Solfeggio (Fragment), Esercisio per il Canto
Style: Classical
Review: Ten lyric arias with recorded accompaniments accessible for streaming or download online (Robert L. Larsen, pianist). Edited by Robert L. Larsen and Richard Walters. With historical notes, plot synopses, and translations (by Martha Gerhart) for study.
Songlist: Non so più cosa son from Le Nozze di Figaro, Parto, parto from La Clemenza di Tito, Smanie implacabili from Così fan tutte, Son reo: l'error confesso from Mitridate, Re di Ponto, Torna di Tito a lato from La Clemenza di Tito, Va, l'error mio palesa from Mitridate, Re di Ponto, Deh, per questo istante solo from La Clemenza di Tito, Il capro e la capretta from Le Nozze di Figaro, È amore un ladroncello from Così fan tutte, Voi, Che Sapete
Review: Ten lyric arias with recorded accompaniments (Robert L. Larsen, pianist). Edited by Robert L. Larsen and Richard Walters. With historical notes, plot synopses, and translations (by Martha Gerhart) for study.
Songlist: Dies Bildnis ist bezaubernd schön from Die Zauberflöte, Dalla sua pace from Don Giovanni, Frisch zum Kampfe! from Die Entführung aus dem Serail, Hier soll ich dich denn sehen from Die Entführung aus dem Serail, Il mio tesoro from Don Giovanni, O wie ängstlich from Die Entführung aus dem Serail, Un'aura amorosa from Così fan tutte, In quegli anni from Le Nozze di Figaro, Ich baue ganz from Die Entführung aus dem Serail, Ah! lo veggio quell'anima bella from Così fan tutte
Review: Ten lyric arias with recorded accompaniments (Robert L. Larsen, pianist). Edited by Robert L. Larsen and Richard Walters. With historical notes, plot synopses, and translations (by Martha Gerhart) for study.
Songlist: Aprite Un Po' Quegli, Deh, Vieni Alla Finestra, Der Vogelfanger Bin Ich Ja, Donne Mie La Fate a Tanti, Ein Madchen Oder Weibchen, Fin Ch'han Dal Vino, Hai Gia Vinta La Causa , Non Piu Andrai, Non Siate Ritrosi, Se Vuol Ballare
Voicing: Baritone Bass
Style: Opera
Review: This series of aria collections contains CDs of full performances with orchestra, and orchestral accompaniment tracks for practice and study. There are plot notes in English and translations for study, as well as standard vocal/piano reduction editions of each aria.
Songlist: Aprite un po' quegli occhi, Deh, vieni alla finestra, Fin ch'han dal vino, In diesen heil'gen Hallen, Madamina! Il catalogo ? questo, Non pi? andrai, farfallone amoroso, Se vuol ballare, signor contino
Voicing: Baritone Bass
Style: Classical
Review: This series of aria collections contains CDs of full performances with orchestra, and orchestral accompaniment tracks for practice and study. There are plot notes in English and translations for study, as well as standard vocal/piano reduction editions of each aria.
Songlist: Come scoglio immoto resta, Deh, vieni, non tardar, Der H?lle Rache kocht in meinem Herzen, Ei parte... senti... - Per piet?, ben mio, perdona, Mi trad? quell'alma ingrata, Non mi dir, bell'idol mio, Una donna a quindici anni
Voicing: Soprano
Style: Classical
Review: This series of aria collections contains CDs of full performances with orchestra, and orchestral accompaniment tracks for practice and study. There are plot notes in English and translations for study, as well as standard vocal/piano reduction editions of each aria.
Songlist: Dalla sua pace la mia dipende, Dies Bildnis ist bezaubernd sch?n, Fuor del mar ho un mar in seno, Il mio tesoro intanto, Se all'impero, amici Dei, Un'aura amorosa, Voi che fausti ognor donate
Voicing: Tenor
Review: Ten lyric arias with recorded accompaniments (Robert L. Larsen, pianist). Edited by Robert L. Larsen and Richard Walters. With historical notes, plot synopses, and translations (by Marth Gerhart) for study. Contents: Zeffiretti lusinghieri - S'altro che lagrime - Pupille amate - Welche Wonne, w
Songlist: Ach, ich fühl's, Porgi, amor from Le Nozze di Figaro, Batti, batti, o bel Masetto from Don Giovanni, Deh Vieni, Non Tardar, Pupille amate from Lucio Silla, S'altro che lagrime from La Clemenza di Tito, Vedrai, Carino, Welche Wonne, welche lust from Die Entführung aus dem Serail, Zeffiretti lusinghieri from Idomeneo, Una donna a quindici anni from Cosi fan tutte
Review: Here are the four movements of Mozart's "Eine Kleine Nacthmusik," which Ward Swingle has arranged for voices with the hopes that groups will perform the piece in its entirety. For the Swingle Singers this offered a change from the succession of 2- or 3-minutes pieces typical of many of their programs. Rondo is a good exercise in fast, intricate scat singing and Menuetto is often used in Ward's seminars to introduce the whole "vocal-instrumental" concept.
Songlist: Menuetto , Rondo , Allegro , Romance
Review: This is a beautiful DVD of a concert in Vienna that was part of a series of events entitled "Sacred Mozart" organized by the Wiener Mozartjahr 2006, where all of Mozart's works were performed in various city churches. The festive highlight was this concert, presented in St. Stephen's Cathedral on Jan. 27, 2006, the 250th anniversary of Mozart's birth, when it was broadcast worldwide. St. Stephen's is where Mozart married Constanze Weber in 1782, where one of his sons was baptized, and where the blessing took place after his death. At the heart of this selection of sacred music is the majestic "Missa in C Major K.317" of 1779, better known as the "Coronation Mass." The "Church Sonata in C major, K.278," "Graduale Sancta Maria, mater Dei, K.273," "Ave verum corpus, K.618" and "Litaniae Lauretanae, K.195" are some of our favorite pieces by the master composer performed here. The sweet voices of the Vienna Boys' Choir are the angels make this powerful sacred music soar up into the wonderful acoustics of St. Stephen's. This DVD places us in the audience of this very special and significant event and reminds us of Mozart's unique genius.
Songlist: Church Sonata In C Major, Mass In C Minor, Graduale " Sancta Maria, Mater Dei", Coronation Mass In C Major, Ave Verum Corpus, Litaniae Lauretanae, Church Sonata In C Major
Review: The year 2006 marked a major musical anniversary with the 250th birthday of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The world has enjoyed the genius of Mozart through his symphonies, operas, chamber and piano music. In addition, his Requiem, left incomplete at his death, remains one of the most beloved of sacred choral works. Gloriae Dei Cantores presents a rare look at a side of Mozart that is not so well known: his contribution to music for the Church. Included in this recording are two rarely heard major works of great beauty and invention: Davide Penitente K. 469 and the Litaniae de venerabili altaris Sacramento K. 243. Also included are a further litany, several motets, and two of the famous church sonatas for small orchestra and organ, giving a rounded picture of Mozart, the sacred musician. Mozart: Rare Choral Works will be a profound experience for the classical music lover and for those who are interested in the sacred side of one of the best-loved composers of all time.
Songlist: Veni Sancte Spiritus, Del Pari Infeconda, Terribile d'aspetto, Misericordias Domini, Church Sonata, Kyrie, Panis Vivus, Verbum caro factum, Hostia Sancta, Tremendum , Dulcissimum Convivium, Pignus, Angus Dei, Venite Populi, DISC TWO, Regina coeli, Quia quem meruisti, Ora pro nobis, Alleluia, Kyrie, Sancta Maria, Salus infirmorum, Regina Angelorum, Angus Dei, Church Sonata, Coro: Alzai le flebili voci al Signor, Coro: Cantiam le glorie, Aria: Lungi le cure ingrate, Duetto: Sorgi, o Signore, Aria: A te, fra tanti affanni, and more.
Review: Celebrating the 20th anniversary of their founding in 1986 as a co-ed a cappella rock and pop group from the University of Pennsylvania, the Loafers have appeared over the years on a number of excellent compilations of the best of collegiate a cappella; and on their own CDs, such as 1997's "Diesel," 1998's "Ride!," 2000's "On the Floor," 2002's "Stealing Time" and 2004's "Barely Legal." "Quicksand" has 14 rich, beautifully-arranged covers; a pair by Snow Patrol, "Chocolate" and "Run;" Maya Varthi has a wonderful lead on Aimee Mann's "Humpty Dumpty," and there's a pair of hot covers of Kelly Clarkson's "Because of You" and "Addicted," again featuring Varthi. Beck's "Girl," Chantal Kreviazuk's "Time" and Sia's "Breathe Me" are other favorites. The Loafers have a full, rich, confident sound with some of the best soloists we've heard at the collegiate level. Treat yourself to "Quicksand" and fall in love with the '05-'06 Penny Loafers!
Songlist: Requiem, Kyrie, Dies Irae, Tuba Mirum, Rex Tremendae, Recordare, Confutatis, Lacrimosa, Domine Jesu, Hostias, Sanctus, Benedictus, Agnus Dei , Lux Aeterna, Overture, Introit, Dies Irae, Offertorium, Sanctus, Agnus Dei Positude
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Displaying 1-50 of 172 items.
| Song Name | Arranger | Composer | Artist | Item Title | Format | Trax | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Agnus Dei" from Coronation Mass | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Nebraska Children's Choir | Magnificat | 1 CD | MORE DETAILS | ||
| Agnus Dei | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | St. Olaf Choir | Mozart Requiem | 1 CD | MORE DETAILS | ||
| Agnus Dei | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | St. Olaf Choir | Repertoire for Mixed Voices Vol. 1 | 1 CD | MORE DETAILS | ||
| Agnus Dei | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Neil Jenkins | Sing Solo Sacred - High Voice | Songbook | MORE DETAILS | ||
| Agnus Dei | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Neil Jenkins | Sing Solo Sacred - Low Voice | Songbook | MORE DETAILS | ||
| Alleluia | Ellen Jane Lorenz | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | St. Marys Children's Choir | Heart Of Courage | 1 CD | MORE DETAILS | |
| Alleluia | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Women's Chorus of Dallas | Our Turn | 1 CD | MORE DETAILS | ||
| Alleluia | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Gloriae Dei Cantores | Mozart - Rare Choral Works | 2 CDs | MORE DETAILS | ||
| Alleluia | J. Leavitt | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | St. Louis Children's Choir | Making Seasons Bright | 2 CDs | MORE DETAILS | |
| Alleluia | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Neil Jenkins | Sing Solo Sacred - High Voice | Songbook | MORE DETAILS | ||
| Alleluia | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Neil Jenkins | Sing Solo Sacred - Low Voice | Songbook | MORE DETAILS | ||
| Alleluia | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Bella Voce Young Women's Choir | A Bella Christmas: Angels Are Singing | 1 CD | MORE DETAILS | ||
| Alleluia | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Judith Blezzard (Editor) | 30 Sacred Masterworks for Upper Voices | Songbook | MORE DETAILS | ||
| Als Luise Die Briefe Ihres | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Richard Walters | Standard Vocal Literature - Mezzo-Soprano | Songbook & CD | MORE DETAILS | ||
| Angus Dei | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Gloriae Dei Cantores | Mozart - Rare Choral Works | 2 CDs | MORE DETAILS | ||
| Angus Dei | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Gloriae Dei Cantores | Mozart - Rare Choral Works | 2 CDs | MORE DETAILS | ||
| Aprite Un Po' Quegli | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Arias for Baritone / Bass | Songbook & CD | MORE DETAILS | ||
| Are verum corpus | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Sofia Women's Chamber Choir | Nightingales | 1 CD | MORE DETAILS | ||
| Aria: A te, fra tanti affanni | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Gloriae Dei Cantores | Mozart - Rare Choral Works | 2 CDs | MORE DETAILS | ||
| Aria: Lungi le cure ingrate | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Gloriae Dei Cantores | Mozart - Rare Choral Works | 2 CDs | MORE DETAILS | ||
| Aria: Tra l'oscure | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Gloriae Dei Cantores | Mozart - Rare Choral Works | 2 CDs | MORE DETAILS | ||
| Ave Maria | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Sofia Boys' Choir | Laudate Dominum Omnes Gentes | 1 CD | MORE DETAILS | ||
| Ave Maria | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Sofia Boys' Choir | Magnificat | 1 CD | MORE DETAILS | ||
| Ave verum | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Winchester Cathedral Choir | Lux Aeterna | 1 CD | MORE DETAILS | ||
| Ave Verum | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | St John's College Choir, Cambridge | Album of 19 Favourites | 1 CD | MORE DETAILS | ||
| Ave Verum | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | St John's College Choir, Cambridge | Ave Verum - Popular Choral Classics | DVD | MORE DETAILS | ||
| Ave Verum | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | St John's College Choir, Cambridge | Ave Verum - Popular Choral Music | 1 CD | MORE DETAILS | ||
| Ave verum corpus | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Sofia Boys' Choir | Laudate Dominum Omnes Gentes | 1 CD | MORE DETAILS | ||
| Ave verum corpus | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Sofia Boys' Choir | Magnificat | 1 CD | MORE DETAILS | ||
| Ave verum corpus | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Notre Dame Liturgical Choir | Sing Unto God! | 1 CD | MORE DETAILS | ||
| Ave Verum Corpus | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Robert Shaw Chorus | Choral Masterpieces | 1 CD | MORE DETAILS | ||
| Ave Verum Corpus | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Atlanta Symphony Chorus - Robert Shaw Festival Singers | Elegy | 1 CD | MORE DETAILS | ||
| Ave Verum Corpus | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Oxford New College Choir | Agnus Dei - Music Of Inner Harmony | 1 CD | MORE DETAILS | ||
| Ave Verum Corpus | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Choir of King's College, Cambridge | Choral Favorites From King's | 1 CD | MORE DETAILS | ||
| Ave verum Corpus | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | John Rutter (Editor) | European Sacred Music | Songbook | MORE DETAILS | ||
| Ave Verum Corpus | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mary Queen of the Universe Shrine Choir | Hail Holy Queen | 1 CD | MORE DETAILS | ||
| Ave Verum Corpus | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Harvard Glee Club | The Archive Collection | 1 CD | MORE DETAILS | ||
| Ave verum Corpus | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Brian Kay | The Greatest Choral Classics | Songbook | MORE DETAILS | ||
| Ave Verum Corpus | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Neil Jenkins | Sing Solo Sacred - High Voice | Songbook | MORE DETAILS | ||
| Ave Verum Corpus | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Neil Jenkins | Sing Solo Sacred - Low Voice | Songbook | MORE DETAILS | ||
| Ave verum Corpus | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Choir of Clare College | Reflection | 1 CD | MORE DETAILS | ||
| Ave verum corpus, K.618 | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Atlanta Symphony Chorus / Mormon Tabernacle Choir | Sacred | 1 CD | MORE DETAILS | ||
| Ave verum corpus, K618 | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mormon Tabernacle Choir | Hallelujah! Great Choral Classics | 1 CD | MORE DETAILS | ||
| Batti batti, o bel Masetto | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Various Composers | Cantolopera - Arias for Soprano Vol. 2 | Songbook & CD | MORE DETAILS | ||
| Benedictus | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | St. Olaf Choir | Mozart Requiem | 1 CD | MORE DETAILS | ||
| Benedictus | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | St. Olaf Choir | Repertoire for Mixed Voices Vol. 1 | 1 CD | MORE DETAILS | ||
| Chorales from Cantatas Nos. 147 & 50 | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Sixteen | Sounds Sublime - The Essential Collection | 2 CDs | MORE DETAILS | ||
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| Church Sonata | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Gloriae Dei Cantores | Mozart - Rare Choral Works | 2 CDs | MORE DETAILS | ||
| Classical and Romantic Music - No. 19 Ave verum corpus | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | David P. DeVenney | Conducting Choirs Vol 2 - Music For Classroom Use | Book & 1 CD | MORE DETAILS |
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