Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was an Austrian composer who lived from 1756 to 1791 and created some of the most beautiful music ever written. He began composing at age five and performing for European royalty by age six, showing extraordinary talent that seemed almost magical to people who heard him play.

Mozart wrote over 600 musical works in his short life, including operas, symphonies, concertos, and chamber music. His opera The Magic Flute tells a fairy tale story with memorable melodies. His Eine kleine Nachtmusik is one of the most recognizable pieces of classical music in the world. What makes Mozart's music special is how it sounds both effortless and perfect, as if the notes simply had to go exactly where he placed them.

When people call someone “a Mozart” or “the Mozart of” something, they mean that person shows genius-level talent at a young age. A ten-year-old chess champion might be called “the Mozart of chess.” The word prodigy often comes up when discussing Mozart because he mastered music so young.

Despite his fame, Mozart struggled with money throughout his life and died at only 35 years old. Yet his music has lived on for over 200 years, performed in concert halls around the world and beloved by millions of listeners.