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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: Loh-Hagan, Virginia, author.
Title: The real Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart / by Virginia Loh-Hagan.
Description: Ann Arbor, Michigan : Cherry Lake Publishing, [2019] | Series: History Uncut |
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Identifiers: LCCN 2018035190 | ISBN 9781534143357 (hardcover) | ISBN 9781534141117 (pdf) |
ISBN 9781534139916 (pbk.) | ISBN 9781534142312 (hosted ebook)
Subjects: LCSH: Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus, 1756-1791Juvenile literature. |
ComposersAustriaBiographyJuvenile literature.
Classification: LCC ML3930.M9 L65 2019 | DDC 780.92 [B]dc23
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Table of Contents
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
The Story You Know 4
CHAPTER 1
Wolfgang
Amadeus Mozart
The Story You Know
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was a famous
composer . Composers are people who
write music.
He was a child prodigy . A prodigy is
someone with amazing skills or talents. Mozart
played piano and violin at an early age. He
started composing at age 5. He performed in
front of kings and queens. By age 17, he had
composed over 600 songs. He helped develop
classical music. Classical music includes
symphonies, concertos, operas, and sonatas.
These are special musical forms.
Mozarts work inspired many people.
His music is played all the time. But theres
more to his story
Mozart didnt like trumpets.
CHAPTER 2
A Musical
Miracle
Mozarts birth name is interesting. Its Johannes
Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart.
Johannes is like John. Wolfgang is a German male
name. It means wolf s path. Its the name of Mozarts
grandfather. Chrysostomus means golden mouth.
Theophilus is Greek. It means loved by God.
Its the name of Mozarts godfather. Mozart preferred
Amadeus. Amadeus is the Latin form of Theophilus.
Mozart was born on January 27, 1756. January 27
was the feast day of Saint John Chrysostom. Saints
are holy people. Mozarts first two names were in
honor of this saint.
Mozart was playful. He sometimes signed his name
as Wolfgangus Amadeus Mozartus.
Setting the World Stage
1756
The Seven Years War was the first world war. Its called World War Zero. It affected Europe, America, West Africa, India, and the Philippines. There were two main sides. One side was led by Great Britain. Another side was led by France. The main issue was about land. There were battles. Towns were burned down.
Many people died in the Black Hole of Calcutta on June 20, 1756. Calcutta is in India. The Black Hole was a jail. It was 18 feet (5.5 meters) long. It was 14 feet (4.3 m) wide. It had two small windows. It was hot. It was cramped. Many British soldiers were taken to the Black Hole. They were prisoners of war. They were given little water. They were abused by the guards. Few people survived.
The Catherine Palace was completed. Its in St. Petersburg, Russia. Its the summer home of Russian leaders. Its over 1,000 feet (305 m) long. Its made of over 220 pounds (100 kilograms) of gold.
I am, I was, I have been, oh! That I were, would to
heavens I were! I will or shall be, would, could,
or should bewhat?A blockhead! Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Mozart could speak several languages. He liked
to play with his name. He changed his middle name
to other language forms. Starting in 1770, he called
himself Amadeo or Amad. In some cases, his middle
name is listed as Adam. At a concert in Prague, his
middle name was Gottlieb. Gottlieb means Gods love.
Anagrams are word puzzles. By changing
around the letters of words, people can form new
words. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is an anagram
of a famous German waltz god.
Mozart signed his wedding papers as Wolfgang Amad Mozart.
CHAPTER 3
Like Sister,
Like Brother
Leopold and Anna Maria were Mozarts parents. They
had seven children. Only two lived. The oldest child
was Maria Anna. She was called Nannerl. Mozart was
the youngest child.
Both Nannerl and Mozart were musically gifted.
At age 7, Leopold gave Nannerl piano lessons. Mozart
was 3 years old. He looked up to his sister. He copied
her. He played notes on the piano. Then he started
playing. By 1762, Nannerl and Mozart were really
good. They were ready to perform in public. They did
the Mozart family grand tour. Many people came to
see them. They were impressed by the young prodigies.
Mozart played songs. His father wrote them down.
Nannerl and Mozart were very close. They created a
secret language. They created a fantasy world. The world
was called Kingdom of Back. Nannerl and Mozart were
the king and queen.
Nannerl was just as good as Mozart. Some people
thought she was better. Leopold said, My little girl,
although she is only 12 years old, is one of the most
skillful players in Europe. Mozart said, My dear sister!
I am in awe that you can compose so well. In a word,
the song you wrote is beautiful.
But Nannerl was female. Women couldnt perform
in public as adults. Nannerl stopped touring. Mozart
became the star.
Some people think Nannerl helped Mozart write some of his songs.
All in the
Family
Leopold Mozart was Mozarts father. He was born in 1719. He was a violinist. He was a composer. He was a teacher. His most famous student was his son. Leopold became a violinist for the Austrian prince. He became a court composer. He wrote a famous book about teaching violin. He showed off his children. He took them to many different cities. People judged him for this. They thought he was using his children to make money and gain fame for himself. Leopold thought it was his duty to develop his childrens talents. He also thought it was his duty to show off their talents to the world. Leopolds father wanted him to become a priest. But Leopold didnt want that. He wanted to be a musician. He was more famous for teaching than performing. Leopold raised his daughters son. His daughter named her son Leopold.