Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the renowned Austrian composer, is undoubtedly one of the greatest geniuses in the history of classical music. However, his life is surrounded by numerous myths and legends, some of which are not based on facts. This article explores five of the most common misconceptions about Mozart’s life.
1. Mozart Died in Utter Poverty!
A widespread myth claims that Mozart died in extreme poverty and was buried in a mass grave. While he did face financial difficulties at the time of his death, he was not destitute. He was buried in a communal grave, which was a common practice in Vienna at the time and did not necessarily indicate poverty. Although few attended his funeral, memorial services and tribute concerts in Vienna and Prague were well received. After his death, his wife Constanze sold many of his unpublished manuscripts to pay off the family’s debts. She also secured a pension from the king and organized several profitable memorial concerts in Mozart’s honor. These efforts helped her achieve some financial stability and even allowed her to send their children to private schools.
2. Mozart Was Poisoned by Antonio Salieri!
Another popular myth suggests that Italian composer Antonio Salieri poisoned Mozart. This rumor gained traction due to the fictional play and film Amadeus. However, there is no credible historical evidence to support this claim. Most scholars believe that Mozart died of natural causes.
3. Mozart Was a Child Prodigy Who Composed Without Any Training!
Although Mozart was indeed a child prodigy, he received rigorous and disciplined musical training from his father, Leopold Mozart. Leopold was a distinguished musician and teacher who played a crucial role in Wolfgang’s musical education. Some of Leopold’s compositions are still performed in the classical repertoire today.
4. Mozart Was Always Poor!
This myth is also inaccurate. Throughout his life, Mozart experienced various periods of financial success. At times, he earned a good income and even lived a lavish lifestyle. However, poor financial management and high expenses led to financial troubles during certain periods.
5. Mozart’s Requiem Was Commissioned by Salieri to Drive Him to Death!
There’s a myth that Salieri commissioned Mozart’s Requiem to push him toward death, and that Mozart died before completing it. In reality, Mozart was initially suspicious of the anonymous commissioner, but it was later revealed that the commission came from Count Franz von Walsegg, who wanted to pass the work off as his own. Mozart worked on the Requiem until his final days but was unable to finish it. The piece was later completed by his student Franz Xaver Süssmayr.
