Leopold Mozart

Leopold Mozart was a German composer, violinist, and music theorist. He was the father and principal teacher of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, one of the greatest composers of all time. Leopold was born in Augsburg, where he sang as a choirboy and studied logic, science, and theology. He moved to Salzburg in 1740 and became a violinist and valet to a university canon. He married Anna Maria Pertl in 1747 and had seven children, but only two survived: Maria Anna (Nannerl) and Wolfgang Amadeus. Leopold devoted much of his time and energy to educating his children, especially Wolfgang, whom he recognized as a musical prodigy. He took them on several tours across Europe to showcase their talents and secure patronage. He also composed music for various occasions, such as church services, weddings, and concerts. His most famous work is his violin treatise Versuch einer gründlichen Violinschule (A Treatise on the Fundamental Principles of Violin Playing), which was published in 1756 and became a standard text for violin instruction. He also wrote six trio sonatas, four horn concertos, a trumpet concerto, and several symphonies. Leopold died in Salzburg in 1787 at the age of 67. He was buried at St. Sebastian's Cemetery. He is remembered as a devoted father, a skilled musician, and an influential teacher.