German composer, violinist and theorist Leopold Mozart is born May 28 (1719). For all his own achievements, he has mainly been referred to as the father of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Indeed, Leopod Mozart practically gave up his career to concentrate on his two gifted children. Johann Georg Leopold Mozart (1719-1787) was born in Augsburg. In 1747, she married Anna Maria Pertl, who took the role of a dutiful wife and mother.

Obviously, he was the first teacher of Wolfgang and his older sister Maria Anna ("Nannerl"). Leopold Mozart was a prominent violin teacher. In 1756, he gained international fame with his Versuch einergründlichen Violinschule, a teaching instruction book for violin that deals with violin technique and music theory. Incidentally, this was the same year that Wolfgang was born. Versuch is one of the foremost musical didactic works of the 18th century.

Leopold Mozart became a musician to the Count of Thurn and Taxis in Salzburg in 1739. Four years later, already active as a composer, he joined the prince-archbishop's court orchestra. In 1757, he advanced to composer of the court and chamber, and in 1763, to deputy Kapellmeister.

When Wolfgang Amadeus was about 4 years, Leopold's own career took second place to the education of his children, especially Wolfgang, whom he took on many tours.

Leopold Mozart's works include numerous symphonies & other orchestral pieces including concertos and divertimentos, chamber & keyboard music, oratorio, masses and other sacred works.

Related Links:

• Leopold Mozart: Life, Career and Works

• Wolfgang's First European Tour with his Father