When people talk about classical music, there are usually three composers that they immediately identify as central pillars – Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart. Mozart, born on Jan. 27, 1756, is probably the most renowned of the three in popular culture. 

He was a famed child prodigy, performing for European royalty by the age of five. His career rocketed and he was constantly astounding others with his incredible talent and his genre-bending music. 

In sum, he composed over 600 pieces of music throughout his life. However, what is undeniably most fascinating about his rate of composition and talent is that he did it in just 35 years for on Dec. 5, 1791, the great composer died. 

Signature Works

Mozart is undeniably one of the major pillars of the opera repertoire. “Le Nozze di Figaro” is considered one of the great, if not the greatest, opera of all time. “Don Giovanni” is likely his most iconic. “Così Fan Tutte” is his most controversial. “Die Zauberflöte” has managed to become known as an opera for adults and children alike. And then there are the opera seria such as “Idomeneo” and “La Clemenza di Tito.”

And then there are a few smaller pieces that have also gotten consistent performances over time. 

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Watch and Listen

Here are recordings of a few of his noted operas.