Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was one of the most successful musicians of his era, but the popular play and film Amadeus portrays this classical genius dying penniless, cast off in an unmarked grave as the victim of murder at the hands of his rival fellow composer Antonio Salieri. In reality, Mozart made a fortune during his brief lifetime but seemed determined to spend every cent of it, leading to lifelong money woes — and centuries of misconceptions about his final years.
Mozart's Journey as a Freelance Musician
A musical prodigy, Mozart began composing his first works while still a child. He toured Europe extensively in his early years, showcasing his talent and earning recognition. By his early teens, he secured a position with the Archbishop of Salzburg, where he earned a modest salary and supplemented it with outside commissions.
However, his ambition and desire for independence led to conflicts with the Archbishop. By his early 20s, he decided to leave this position and relocate to the vibrant city of Vienna, where he would chart his own course as a freelancer.
Embracing a Diverse Career
Unlike many of his contemporaries, Mozart was reluctant to accept a full-time position at court. Instead, he pieced together a living through various means: giving music lessons to wealthy families, conducting performances, and taking on commissions for new works. In a remarkable six-week period in 1784, he managed to give 22 concerts!
Frequent travel enhanced his reputation as a composer, but the costs often outweighed the financial benefits, leading to ongoing money issues. Despite these challenges, his persistence and talent earned him a significant income, reportedly up to 10,000 florins a year by the 1780s, placing him among Vienna’s elite.
Living Beyond Means: The Mozart Lifestyle
Mozart married Constanze Weber in August 1782, despite his father's concerns. Constanze came from a musical family, and together they had six children, although only two survived infancy. The couple enjoyed a lavish lifestyle, living in a spacious apartment behind St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna.
Despite the fluctuations in Mozart’s finances, they sought to maintain a high standard of living. This ambition led them to send their son to an expensive private school and host extravagant gatherings, resulting in mounting debts and financial strain.
The Impact of Gambling and Overspending
Some historians suggest that Mozart may have lost significant amounts at gambling tables, while others argue that it was merely a social pastime. Recent theories also propose that his chronic overspending and mood swings could have been signs of an undiagnosed mental illness, such as bipolar disorder.
The couple's financial troubles forced them to relocate several times. Despite the challenges, they remained determined to live life to the fullest, which ultimately led to further financial difficulties.
Challenges and Resilience: Facing Financial Hardships
In 1788, Constanze faced serious health issues that drained their finances further. Her recovery required expensive treatments and extended stays at spas. In an effort to raise funds, Mozart embarked on shorter tours, but these endeavors resulted in financial losses rather than gains.
During this time, changes in musical tastes and Austria's costly involvement in wars led to a decline in commissions. Mozart experienced a dark period of depression, often reflected in his correspondence with friends. Even though they never faced hunger, their refusal to cut expenses led him to seek loans from friends and patrons.
Emerging from Financial Struggles
Despite the hardships, Mozart's financial prospects began to improve. With Constanze's help, the couple relocated to a more affordable part of Vienna, and she took charge of managing their finances. New opportunities, such as stipends from smaller European courts and an enticing offer to compose in England, emerged, promising stability.
In his final years, Mozart produced a remarkable body of work, including the opera “Die Zauberflöte” (The Magic Flute), which premiered shortly before his untimely death and achieved immediate success.
The Final Days: A Legacy Beyond the Grave
Sadly, Mozart's health began to decline in late 1791, and he passed away at the young age of 35 in December of that year. His death was attributed to kidney failure and a recurrence of rheumatic fever. Contrary to popular belief, Mozart was not buried in a pauper's grave; instead, he was laid to rest in a common grave per the customs of the time.
After a few years, his remains were relocated, but the exact location of his final resting place remains unknown. Although Constanze was left devastated with two young children, she rose to the occasion, ensuring her family's financial security through her efforts in publishing Mozart's works and organizing memorial concerts.
Securing Mozart's Legacy
Constanze's determination paid off, enabling her to secure a small lifetime pension from the Austrian emperor and contribute to publishing an early biography of Mozart. These actions not only provided financial stability for her family but also played a crucial role in solidifying Mozart's legacy as one of history's greatest composers.
Through her hard work, Constanze ensured that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's musical genius would continue to inspire generations to come.
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