Happy Mozart’s 269th birthday!

Today marks the birthday of one of history’s greatest composers, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, born on January 27, 1756. Throughout his short life, Mozart composed over 600 works that continue to inspire and influence musicians and listeners around the world. To celebrate his birthday, we’re sharing three fascinating facts about the musical genius.

 

1. Talent for Music Ran in the Family
It’s widely known that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was the son of Leopold Mozart, a respected violin teacher and occasional composer, best known for his Trumpet Concerto and Toy Symphony. But it wasn’t just his father who contributed to the family’s musical legacy. Mozart’s wife, Constanze Weber, was related to Carl Maria von Weber, another renowned composer. Constanze’s three sisters—Josepha, Aloysia, and Sophie—were all trained singers and later performed in the premieres of several of Mozart’s works.


2. A Passion for Billiards
Mozart was not only a musical prodigy but also a skilled player of games. He had a fondness for card tricks, bowling, and billiards, often playing with his friend, the Irish tenor Michael Kelly. In fact, Mozart almost always won these games, a fact that Kelly humorously mentioned in a letter to his wife. Interestingly, Kelly also sang the roles of Don Basilio and Don Curzio in the first performance of The Marriage of Figaro in 1786.


3. A Sparkling Birthday Celebration Every Year
Salzburg, often considered the world’s music capital, offers a unique atmosphere not just during its summer festival, but also during Mozart Week. On and around January 27th, the city honors its famous son with an internationally renowned concert series. The Mozarteum Foundation Salzburg has hosted Mozart Week annually since 1956, drawing the world’s best artists and music lovers from around the globe.

 

Even after 269 years, Mozart’s music is performed by the world’s most celebrated soloists and orchestras, remaining timeless and transcending generations. On this day, we celebrate the genius of Mozart, whose works have left an indelible mark on classical music.