Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (27 January 1756 – 5 December 1791) was one of the most prolific composers of the Classical era and remains enduringly popular today. He wrote over 600 works across nearly every major genre—symphonies, concertos, chamber music, piano pieces, operas, and choral works—many of which stand as landmarks in their respective fields.

Mozart's talent emerged almost impossibly early. Growing up in Salzburg, he was already skilled on keyboard and violin by childhood and began composing at five. As a young performer, he played for European royalty before his teens. At 17, he landed a court musician position in Salzburg, but he chafed under the constraints and spent his twenties traveling restlessly in search of better opportunities, composing constantly the whole time.

The turning point came in 1781 during a visit to Vienna. Dismissed from his Salzburg post, Mozart made the unconventional choice to stay in the capital as a freelancer. He found success there, though financial stability remained elusive. Vienna is where his most celebrated work emerged—many of his greatest symphonies, concertos, and operas date from his final years. He was also working on the Requiem when he died, leaving it incomplete.

Mozart's sudden death at 35 has been the subject of considerable speculation and mythology over the centuries. He was survived by his wife Constanze and their two sons.