Great Composers: Mozart Trivia Quiz

Answer: a concerto

At first it looked like a lot of messy scribbling to Leopold, yet as he studied what his son had done, he decided he truly had created a concerto for the harpsichord as his son Wolfgang had declared. Leopold then declared it a bit difficult, to which little Wolfgang said "not without some practice," and proceeded to play his new composition.

This incident is considered to be Mozart's first public performance.

Answer: 5

Mozart's father being a concertmaster made sure both of his children played an instrument, and began their lessons at an early age. Obviously Mozart enjoyed his lessons, unlike most children who dread their weekly piano lessons. Mozart's early exposure to music gives good ground to the argument of starting children earlier than later in their music lessons.

Answer: His older sister, Nannerl

In 1762 Leopold Mozart took Wolfgang and his sister Nannerl on their first concert tour. They began in Munich where they played for the prince, and went to many places where they were received warmly and enthusiastically. Royalty and the upper ranks of society were especially enthralled by the Mozart family.

Answer: Mozart climbed into her lap and gave her a kiss

Nanierle gave a very deep, respectful bow to the Empress, as was expected. However, the very young Wolfgang climbed into the Empress's lap and gave her a kiss. This shocked those in attendance; however, the Empress had children of her own, so she just laughed at his impulsiveness. The Mozart children's performance received a thunderous acclaim, and they received many gifts.

Answer: The Golden Spur"

The Golden Spur gave Mozart the title of Cavalier. While I have yet if it was for any specific work Mozart was being recognized for, it honor was bestowed upon him the same year he wrote the Italian Opera "Mithridates, King of Pontus." There is perhaps a connection, or the Pope may have wanted to recognize Mozart's overall contributions to music at that point.

Answer: Concertmaster and Conductor of the Chapel Orchestra

Wolfgang was now the Concertmaster and Conductor of the Salzburg Chapel Orchestra, and was treated well by the Archbishop. Unfortunately, the succeeding Archbishop did not esteem Mozart as well, and Mozart felt he was treated shabbily. He asked for a leave of absence, which was granted, so Mozart went on tour once again.

Answer: Aloysia

Mozart became smitten with the beautiful Aloysia Weber, and composed the Serenade for Thirteen Woodwinds as a result of his feelings for this woman. He told her to wait while he secured a position. Mozart and his mother went onto Paris, where he was warmly received. He received commissions for new work and created the well-known "Concerto for Flute and Harp" from one of these commissions. He was able to support himself on these commissions. Sadly, his mother died while they were in Paris. He chose not to stay in Paris, and went home to be with his father and sister.

Answer: his former love's younger sister

Mozart had indeed returned to his former position, yet again resented the shabby treatment, and resigned. He had hopes of finding a placement in Vienna, which did not materialize. He also find himself rejected by Aloysia, who had not waited, and had instead married an actor. Mozart turned to her sister, Constanze, who was also a singer.

They married, despite Mozart's father's disapproval. Mozart and Constanze had two boys, who also did their fair share of composing.

Answer: "The Marriage of Figaro"

Mozart was having problems getting commissions, which meant no money was coming in. His opera "The Marriage of Figaro" was not received well in Vienna, although it was by the Prague crowd. He had been writing his operas in the Italian style up to this point, but he was convinced to try his hand at an opera in German, so he created "The Magic Flute," which has proved to be one of his most enduring operas.

Answer: 35

Mozart had a foreboding feeling about this piece of music, almost thinking it was for himself, as his own health had been poorly recently. He continued writing on it and in doing so he worked himself into illness. December 5, 1791 Mozart's delicate health failed at the young age of 35. Mozart was buried in a mass grave, and to this day it is not known where his remains truly lie, though many monuments have been built in his honor. Nonetheless, his greatest monument is the music he left behind for generations to enjoy.