On January 27, the world marks the 270th anniversary of the birth of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart—one of the most influential figures in classical music, whose legacy continues to shape piano education, music education, and the classical piano repertoire taught around the world.
Mozart was born in 1756 in Salzburg to Leopold Mozart, a violinist and respected pedagogue, and his wife Anna Maria. Behind the legend lies a deeply human story: Anna Maria gave birth to seven children, but only two survived infancy—Wolfgang and his older sister, Nannerl. The loss of five children was a tragic reality of the 18th century and profoundly shaped the Mozart family. This fragility of life may explain the extraordinary care and devotion with which Wolfgang’s rare musical gift was nurtured.
By the age of three, Mozart was already playing the keyboard; at five, he was composing; and at six, he was touring the royal courts of Europe. Yet he was not a fragile prodigy. Mozart loved humor, wrote playful and sometimes irreverent letters, enjoyed games like billiards, and could compose with astonishing speed. His upbringing combined discipline, travel, and constant exposure to music, laying the foundation for one of the most remarkable creative minds in history.
Despite composing over 600 works and redefining nearly every musical genre of his time, Mozart struggled financially throughout much of his life and died at just 35 years old. His music, however, remains timeless—studied by young pianists, revered by professionals, and loved by audiences worldwide.
Further Reading: Essential Books About Mozart
For those who wish to explore Mozart’s life and music more deeply, the following English-language books are considered essential reading:
- Mozart: A Life by Maynard Solomon
A profound and psychologically insightful biography exploring Mozart’s family life, inner conflicts, and the human complexity behind the genius. - Mozart: His Character, His Work by Alfred Einstein
A classic work connecting Mozart’s personality directly to his musical language and artistic choices. - Mozart in Letters edited by Emily Anderson
A revealing collection of letters that shows Mozart as witty, emotional, playful, and deeply alive. - The Compleat Mozart by Neal Zaslaw
A clear and accessible guide to Mozart’s life, historical context, and complete body of works. - Mozart: A Cultural Biography by Robert W. Gutman
A broader cultural and historical view of Mozart’s life within 18th-century European society.
270 years later, Mozart is still alive—not only in concert halls, but in every piano lesson, every student discovering musical structure, and every moment when music feels both simple and infinite. 🎹✨
