Mozart's Life Timeline

Follow the chronological journey through Mozart's remarkable life, from his first compositions as a child prodigy to his final masterworks. Click on events to learn more.

1756
Major

Birth of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

📍 Salzburg

Born in Salzburg as Johannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart, the seventh child of Leopold Mozart and Anna Maria Pertl.

1761
Major

First Compositions

📍 Salzburg

At age 5-6, Mozart composes his first pieces - simple minuets and other keyboard works.

1762
Major

First Concert Tour

📍 Munich, Vienna

Leopold takes Wolfgang and Nannerl to Munich and Vienna. The children perform for Empress Maria Theresa.

1763
Major

Grand Tour of Europe Begins

📍 Various

The Mozart family embarks on a 3.5-year tour of Europe, visiting major courts and cities.

1763

First Published Works

📍 Paris

Mozart's first violin sonatas (K. 6–9) are composed and published in Paris.

1764
Major

London Period

📍 London

Extended stay in London where Mozart composes his first symphony and meets Johann Christian Bach.

1764
Major

First Symphony

📍 London

At age 8, Mozart composes his first symphony (K. 16) in London.

1766

Return to Salzburg

📍 Salzburg

The Mozart family returns to Salzburg after the successful Grand Tour of Europe.

1769
Major

Italian Tours

📍 Italy

Mozart makes three trips to Italy with his father, studying Italian opera and receiving commissions.

1770
Major

Mitridate Success

📍 Milan

Mozart's opera seria 'Mitridate, re di Ponto' premieres successfully in Milan.

1773

Salzburg Court Employment

📍 Salzburg

Mozart returns to Salzburg and takes employment at the Archbishop's court.

1773

Symphony No. 25 'Little G minor'

📍 Salzburg

Mozart composes his first symphony in a minor key, showing new dramatic intensity.

1775
Major

Five Violin Concertos

📍 Salzburg

Mozart composes all five of his violin concertos in a single year.

1777

Paris Journey with Mother

📍 Munich, Augsburg, Mannheim

Mozart leaves Salzburg with his mother, seeking better employment opportunities.

1778
Major

Death of Maria Anna Mozart

📍 Paris

Mozart's mother dies in Paris, leaving him devastated and alone in a foreign city.

1778
Major

Paris Symphony

📍 Paris

Mozart composes Symphony No. 31 for the Paris audiences, showing his mature style.

1779

Reluctant Return to Salzburg

📍 Salzburg

Mozart returns to Salzburg and reluctantly accepts a position at the Archbishop's court.

1781
Major

Idomeneo Premiere

📍 Munich

Mozart's opera seria 'Idomeneo' premieres in Munich to great acclaim.

1781
Major

Break with Archbishop Colloredo

📍 Vienna

Mozart dramatically breaks with his employer and decides to freelance in Vienna.

1782
Major

Marriage to Constanze Weber

📍 Vienna

Mozart marries Constanze Weber against his father's wishes.

1782

Haffner Symphony

📍 Vienna

Mozart composes Symphony No. 35 for the Haffner family celebrations.

1783
Major

Haydn Quartets

📍 Vienna

Mozart composes six string quartets dedicated to Joseph Haydn, showing deep musical friendship.

1784
Major

Piano Concertos Peak Period

📍 Vienna

Mozart composes 12 piano concertos in three years, including his greatest works in the form.

1786
Major

The Marriage of Figaro Premiere

📍 Vienna

Mozart's opera buffa 'Le nozze di Figaro' premieres in Vienna with libretto by Da Ponte.

1787
Major

Death of Leopold Mozart

📍 Salzburg

Mozart's father Leopold dies in Salzburg, ending their complex relationship.

1787
Major

Don Giovanni Premiere

📍 Prague

Mozart's masterpiece 'Don Giovanni' premieres in Prague to tremendous acclaim.

1788
Major

Final Three Symphonies

📍 Vienna

In just six weeks, Mozart composes his last three symphonies - his greatest achievements in the form.

1787

Imperial Court Appointment

📍 Vienna

Emperor Joseph II appoints Mozart as Imperial Chamber Composer, though with modest duties and pay.

1790
Major

Così fan tutte Premiere

📍 Vienna

The final Da Ponte collaboration premieres in Vienna.

1791
Major

The Magic Flute Premiere

📍 Vienna

Mozart's final opera 'Die Zauberflöte' premieres and becomes immediately popular.

1791
Major

Anonymous Requiem Commission

📍 Vienna

Mozart receives a mysterious commission for a Requiem Mass.

1791
Major

Death of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

📍 Vienna

Mozart dies in Vienna at age 35, leaving the Requiem unfinished. He is buried in an unmarked grave.

Timeline Legend

Birth & Death
Major Compositions
Travels & Tours
Performances
Personal Events
Major events are highlighted with a golden ring. Click any event for details.