The Sound of Salzburg: Mozart


2014-07-07 05.38.20The whole city of Salzburg, Austria, is a tribute to one man, native son Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who was born here in 1756. At the time, the city’s population was estimated to be about 16,000. Mozart’s father was a musician who quickly detected extraordinary musical skills in his young son. One day, the elder Mozart walked into the room to find Wolfgang, age 4, busy with his quill pen. “What are you doing?” asked Papa. “Writing a piano concerto!” said the boy. Father looked at the smeared notes on the page and tears ran down his face, for the composition showed marks of brilliance. That was the beginning of his remarkable career, in which Wolfgang was writing music and playing to great crowds, even as a young child. He lived many years in Salzburg, though much time was spent away from home touring. He moved to Vienna, overwhelmed by anxiety and financial needs, and died mysteriously (some say he was murdered) at  age 35. Mozart left behind a treasure trove of the world’s most beautiful and mentally-nourishing music, and a hometown that has been reaping the benefits of Mozart-related tourism for 200 years.

Mozart's Birth House
Mozart’s Birth House

 

 

Mozart's Birth House is also a museum and the most popular Mozart site in Salzburg
Mozart’s Birth House is also a museum and the most popular Mozart site in Salzburg
The kitchen in his Birth Home
The kitchen in his Birth Home
The room where he was born and one of his violins.
The room where he was born and one of his violins.
The instrument on which Mozart composed "The Magic Flute"
The instrument on which Mozart composed “The Magic Flute”

 

 

An original composition
An original composition

Mozart's purse, which was often empty during his lifetime, causing him great distress
Mozart’s purse, which was often empty during his lifetime, causing him great distress

 

A baby bottle and chamber pot from Mozart's house.
A baby bottle and chamber pot from Mozart’s house.

Mozart's second house. Moved there when he was 17.
Mozart’s second house. Moved there when he was 17.

Amadeus Candies
Amadeus Candies
Amadeus Perfume
Amadeus Perfume