Mozart

 One of the highlights of Austria is their rich music history. Vienna and Salzburg were both home to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. 

Born to Leopold and Maria Anna, Wolfgang’s father was a musician. He published one of the most popular Violin trainers (books) of that time. They were pianist as well, and Wolfgang’s sister, Nannerl, was famous in her own right. She composed and performed often. 

As children Leopold took Wolfgang and his sister on months long tours of Europe performing for royalty. His first performance was at the age of 6, a concert for Emperor Franz I in Vienna. He was in the same circle as JS Bach when performing in London.

Eventually Mozart was recruited to write and perform for the archbishops of Salzburg but he wanted more and ended up going to Vienna to work for the Hapsburgs. He wrote three operas that were well received. He died at the age of 35 from military fever in Vienna, leaving behind a wife and two sons.