A Statue Honors Mozart’s Sister As A Tribute To Overshadowed Women In History

The upcoming International Women’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to highlight the story behind Maria Anna Mozart - the sister of the famous composer and a talented musician. Several years ago, Netflix placed a statue of her, as a tribute to the overlooked achievements of historical women. They hope the statue ensures that younger generations will recognize the contributions of Mozart's sister and other women in history. 

The upcoming International Women’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to honor Maria Anna Mozart - the genius composer’s sister, a talented musician in her own right. Several years ago, Netflix in a bold and heartfelt gesture placed a statue of her, as part of a larger initiative to celebrate the overlooked achievements of historical women. The tribute was linked to the release of Enola Holmes, a film centered on Sherlock Holmes' sister, and aims to shine a light on real-life sisters whose contributions were overshadowed by those of their more famous brothers. The statue now stands proudly beside her legendary brother in Parade Gardens, Bath, Somerset, in recognition of her own impressive musical career. This new monument marks a turning point in how history views Nannerl, whose accomplishments were overshadowed by Wolfgang’s genius.

A Prodigy in Her Own Right

Born in 1751, Maria Anna Mozart was the elder sister of the celebrated composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Raised in a musical household under the guidance of their father, Leopold Mozart, both siblings were child prodigies, performing together across Europe. Nannerl was particularly gifted at the harpsichord and fortepiano, and like her brother, she made early public appearances as a virtuoso.

As a child, Nannerl was praised for her musical talents, often being billed first in concert programs before her younger brother. She toured extensively with Wolfgang, and the pair was celebrated as “wunderkinder,” or child prodigies, especially during their 18-month concert tour in London when Nannerl was just 13 years old. Reviews from the time often highlighted Nannerl’s remarkable performances, recognizing her as an exceptional musician in her own right.

Despite her early successes, Nannerl’s career as a performer abruptly came to a halt when she reached adulthood. In the 18th century, the world of classical music was dominated by male musicians, and a woman’s public performances could carry significant social and reputational risks. Nannerl’s family, especially her father, was hesitant to let her continue performing, particularly once she reached the age of 18.

A Legacy of Talent, Yet Unseen

While her career was cut short, Nannerl’s musical abilities did not go unnoticed by her contemporaries. Scholars now recognize her as a talented composer, though none of her works from that period are definitively known to have survived. Some of the researchers believe that some of Mozart's famous works, including the violin concertos, could have been composed by Nannerl herself. According to their words, it was possible that Nannerl, due to the gender biases of her time, chose to publish her compositions under her brother’s name to ensure their success.

Historical accounts often suggest that Nannerl was a role model for young Wolfgang, inspiring him to pursue music from an early age. In Maynard Solomon’s Mozart: A Life, it is noted that at just three years old, Wolfgang was inspired by watching his father teach Nannerl to play music. The two siblings maintained a close bond throughout their childhood, with Wolfgang even contributing to Nannerl’s diary entries, occasionally referring to himself in the third person.

However, as adults, their relationship appears to have cooled. Some sources, including Solomon, suggest that the siblings drifted apart as Wolfgang’s fame grew, with their correspondence ceasing three years before Wolfgang’s untimely death at the age of 35. Yet, there are also accounts of Nannerl sending compositions to both her father and brother in later years, with Wolfgang offering praise and encouragement for her work.

Nannerl’s Role in Mozart’s Legacy

While there is still debate over whether Nannerl’s compositions were lost under Mozart’s name or hidden due to societal expectations, one thing is clear: she was a gifted and skilled musician who deserves recognition for her contributions to the world of music. Professor Jarvis argues that Nannerl may have deliberately chosen to remain in the shadows, understanding that her compositions would be more valuable if attributed to her brother. 

Whether or not Nannerl’s works will ever be rediscovered, the recent statue stands as a powerful symbol of her legacy. In honoring Maria Anna Mozart, Netflix and the broader cultural community acknowledge the many women whose talents were overshadowed by history’s focus on men, ensuring that their contributions are finally recognized and celebrated.