In 1756 a musical prodigy was born in Salzburg, Austria: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Thanks to the efforts of his exacting father, Mozart's genius was exhibited and celebrated in some of the greatest courts of Europe from a young age. At four years old he wrote his first keyboard concerto, at six he was performing for the empress Maria Theresa. Soon he and his father were touring Europe, and the young Mozart's exploits proved increasingly lucrative for his overbearing parent. But, like all young men, Mozart was growing up and becoming increasingly uncontrollable. Feeling stifled and professionally frustrated, he began to disobey his wealthy patrons and went freelance, risking financial security and the favour of his family. Yet, it would also see him falling in love, and writing some of his most glorious works. Nevertheless, time and life was running out for the young composer, as he began to write the powerful Requiem, which may prove to be for his own death...
Join Tom and Dominic at the Royal Albert Hall, featuring the Academy of St Martin in the Fields and the Philharmonia Chorus, conducted by Oliver Zeffman, they explore one of the most famous musical figures of all time: Mozart. What was the origin of his genius? What are the stories behind some of his most famous works, such as The Magic Flute and Don Giovanni? And, what is the truth behind his tragic and much mythologised death, young and penniless?
Academy of St Martin in the Fields
Orchestra
Philharmonia Chorus
Chorus
Oliver Zeffman
Conductor
Stephanie Gonley
Leader & Violin Soloist
Mishka Rushdie Momen
Pianist
Nardus Williams
Soprano
Katie Stevenson
Mezzo
Andrew Staples
Tenor
William Thomas
Bass
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Twitter:
@TheRestHistory
@holland_tom
@dcsandbrook
Producer: Theo Young-Smith
Assistant Producer: Tabby Syrett + Anouska Lewis
Executive Producers: Jack Davenport + Tony Pastor
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526. Mozart: History's Greatest Prodigy LIVE at the Royal Albert Hall | The Rest Is History podcast - Listen or read transcript on Metacast
