Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is a very prestigious and recognizable name in the world of music since the 18th century. The mystery behind his death is still alive and controversial. Born in 1756 in Salzburg, he was a momentous and prolific composer of the Classic Period. Mozart composed more than 600 notable masterpieces which featured in movies like ‘Shawshank Redemption‘, ’27 Dresses‘, and ‘The King’s Speech’.
The music genius, unfortunately, greeted death at the very young age of 23. Since his childhood, Mozart showcased an affinity towards music and by the age of seven, he had already become a legend due to his performance. By the time he was eleven, the cash started to pour in. Mozart was a technical genius and could instantly assimilate different styles. His work majorly gained fame and recognition only after his death.
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What Was The Reason Behind Mozart’s Death?
The doctors of the 20th century are still trying to figure out the cause behind Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s death. The wide range of possibilities includes poisoning to infection. The popular music composer died on 5 December 1791, but the reason behind his death is still a mystery. There are several theories that explain the cause of Mozart’s demise.
Mozart had returned to Vienna from his trip to Prague in September where he completed the score of “ The Magic Flute”- his last composition. But two days after his performance he fell ill. Poisoning was one of many theories. Since he gained fame, Antonio Salieri, his colleague might have poisoned him out of jealousy. However, the symptoms did not show any signs of poisoning, instead, Mozart’s body was swollen according to his sister-in-law. Even though this theory was ruled out, Antonio Salieri was affected by the accusations of involvement in Mozart’s death.
In recent studies, doctors discovered that Mozart’s death might have been the result of a Strep infection. Over the years of speculation about syphilis, rheumatic fever, and vasculitis leading to renal failure, finally, the researchers of ‘The Annals of Internal Medicine’ concluded that Mozart was the victim of epidemic streptococcal infection ruling out all the previous assumptions.
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The Classic Period Composer’s Last Words
“The taste of death is upon my lips… I feel something, that is not of this earth” were Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s final words. The composer died at the very young age of 23 leaving behind a huge impression in the field of music. Mozart’s Requiem remains one of the great enigmas of music history. The last piece of composition was written on his deathbed and commissioned anonymously. The Requiem was left unfinished and yet was the most powerful piece of work. Unlike the other aristocrats, Mozart’s grave was dug in a common cemetery amongst common people.
Mozart began the composition of the Requiem in D minor in Vienna in late 1791, which remind unfinished due to his untimely death. Mozart’s student Franz Xaver Sussmaye completed Mozart’s version in 1792. Later it was delivered to Count Franz von Walsegg, who secretly commissioned the piece to monumentalize the anniversary of his wife’s death.
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