Mozart and Chopin: Masters of Classical and Romantic Music

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is the musical genius par excellence. From childhood until his untimely death, his music has remained a summit in the history of art. It combines joy with tragedy, and as Hoffmann noted, his work conveys a harbinger of the infinite.

The Composer

When Leopold Mozart discovered the enormous talent of his children, he took them as child prodigies through the main courts and music centers of Europe. He provided them with excellent training in music, languages, and general culture. Wolfgang developed in a manner unparalleled in history; he learned the language of music in all genres and was soon able to express himself in various forms and styles.

Mozart eventually settled in Vienna and, without stable employment, lived the life of a freelance composer. While he achieved great success and recognition, he also suffered from public misunderstanding and the jealousies and intrigues of his colleagues, such as Antonio Salieri.

In the late 1780s, dark thoughts assailed him, yet he rejected violence in his music; there is no trace of these material shortages in his compositions. Mozart's music represents the height of Viennese classicism, linking the Rococo style galant with the complex techniques of serious contrapuntal music. His art covers all registers, from joy to tragedy, characterized by instrumental perfection and eloquent messages. Love and melancholy voices resonate, as the spiritual world of light breaks through purple reflections.

Frédéric Chopin

About 100 years ago, Frédéric Chopin was regarded merely as a composer of piano pieces. However, these works eventually became essential to concert music and piano studies. In the twentieth century, he has been recognized with justice for expanding the harmonic and formal universe of music, as well as for the strength and brilliance of his compositions.

Life in Paris

• Reached the highest artistic level in Paris.
• Spent considerable time teaching to earn a good salary.
• Frequented the salons of the aristocracy and high bourgeoisie.
• Made few public appearances as a pianist.
• Performed his last concert during a visit to England and Scotland.