Mozart Political Views

Mozart and Political Views in His Music Compositions
MUSC 622
Over the years there have been various artists who have used their artistic skills and attributes not only to entertain and dazzle audiences but also to pass and expound crucial and sensitive messages in societies. One notable music composer who is fondly remembered and renowned for prodigious ability of composing pieces that harbored strong political views is Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The Austrian born composer was a staunch and devoted Catholic who remained utterly steadfast and loyal to the Church that ruled and reigned supreme during that period. The above fact is cemented by the over 60 pieces of religious music. Additionally, Mozart continuously exhibited disdain and resistance to authority. As a result of Mozart’s resistance, composing of music became embraced as an occupation and music was accepted as an industry. This research paper purposes to extensively expound on the influential composer that was Mozart and particularly focus on the political views depicted in his compositions.
Brief Overview of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is one of the most notable composers of the classical period. He was born in Salzburg during a period when the Holy Roman Empire reigned supreme. As such, he out rightly became a staunch and devoted Catholic. Mozart was born on 27th January 1756 to Leopold Mozart and Anna Maria in Salzburg. Mozart acquainted himself with the works of different composers as they visited the courts of Munich, Vienna, Paris, Amsterdam, Zurich and Dover. In the year 1770, Mozart wrote the opera Mitridate, re di Ponto. The successful performance of this piece guaranteed other opera commissions.
Mozart was later employed as a court musician in Austria in the year 1773 by the ruler of Salzburg. While in Salzburg, he developed a passion for violin concertos and came up with creations which critics claim to be breakthrough work. In 1777, he resigned his job and visited Paris, Munich and Mannheim while searching for employment. Among his popular works which were written on his expedition to Paris are the A minor piano sonata, the "Paris" Symphony (No. 31), and the Concerto for Flute and Harp in C major. In 1781, Mozart met the emperor in Vienna who eventually ended up supporting his career with commissions and a part time position. During his stay in Vienna his considerable musical talents earned him the reputation of the finest keyboard player in Vienna. The opera Die Entführung aus dem Serail, also positively impacted his reputation of a skilled composer. Mozart married Constanze on 4th August 1782 after a difficult courtship.
In 1784, Mozart became friends with Joseph Haydn. This friendship inspired Mozart to compose six quartets that are of immense value to the music world (K. 387, K. 421, K. 428, K. 458, K. 464, and K. 465). Mozart mounted solo concerts and concertos from the year 1782 to 1785 that enabled him to live in luxury. On 14th December 1984, he became involved in Freemasonry. His two most famous works: The Marriage of Figaro and Don Giovanni were successfully premiered in the years 1786 and 1787. At the end of 1787, Mozart was appointed by Emperor Jo...