Questions and Answers
Where did Mozart grow up?
Mozart grew up in the mountain town of Salzburg, Austria.
What instruments did Mozart play from an early age?
Mozart played the keyboard, violin, and organ.
How did Leopold Mozart further his son's career?
Leopold took his family on a show tour and multi-year visits to major cities in Italy to showcase Mozart's talent.
What is a Kochel (K) number?
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Who was the 'Archboobie,' and why did Mozart call him that?
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How old was Mozart when he died?
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How many symphonies did Mozart write?
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How many operas did Mozart write, and what types are they?
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What is Singspiel?
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Why was The Marriage of Figaro banned?
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What is a trouser role?
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What is an ensemble finale?
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What is the Requiem Mass?
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Study Notes
Mozart's Background and Early Life
- Mozart grew up in Salzburg, Austria, a mountain town known for its scenic beauty.
- He demonstrated prodigious talent by playing the keyboard, violin, and organ at an early age.
Leopold Mozart's Role
- Leopold Mozart, his father, recognized Wolfgang's extraordinary talent and abandoned his own ambitions to support his son.
- He organized tours showcasing Mozart's abilities to royalty and took him on extended trips to major Italian cities for concerts.
Kochel (K) Numbers
- Kochel numbers, established by Ludwig von Kochel, help organize and identify Mozart's works in chronological order.
Relationship with Archbishop Colloredo
- Mozart referred to Archbishop Colloredo of Salzburg as the "Archboobie" due to his lack of support for the arts and failure to appreciate Mozart's genius.
Mozart's Death
- Mozart passed away unexpectedly at the young age of 35 on December 5, 1791.
Symphony and Opera Compositions
- He composed 41 symphonies according to traditional counts.
- Mozart created a total of 20 operas, including 8 opera seria, 7 opera buffa, and 5 Singspiel.
Singspiel Genre
- Singspiel is characterized as a genre of German comic opera incorporating spoken dialogue instead of recitative.
"The Marriage of Figaro"
- This opera is based on Beaumarchais' controversial play, which satirized social norms and was perceived as a threat leading to the French Revolution.
- The play was banned by Joseph II due to its themes that challenged authority.
Opera Terminology
- A trouser role refers to a female character portrayed by a woman in male attire.
- An ensemble finale is a climactic ending of an operatic act featuring a group performance rather than a solo singer.
Requiem Mass
- The Requiem Mass is a composition for funeral services in the Roman Catholic Church, commissioned by a nobleman to honor his deceased wife.
- Mozart became increasingly aware of his own mortality while composing the Requiem, viewing it as a personal farewell.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the life and early career of Mozart with this quiz covering Chapters 47 and 48. Discover facts about his upbringing in Salzburg, the instruments he mastered, and the pivotal role his father played in his musical journey.
