Glory and sudden death

Next to all his work in public, Mozart is also highly productive on the composing level. Between 1781 and 1791, Mozart composes half of his lifetime compositions.

In the mid 1780s Mozart becomes friends with Josef Haydn. In 1787 Mozart triumphs with “Die Hochzeit des Figaro” and “Don Giovanni” in Prague. In the midst of success, father Leopold passes away.

Mozart is rewarded by being employed as the k. u. k. court-musicus of the Emperor, and even though he still earns well, Mozart starts to fall into debts. He looks for even more work (throughout Europe) and writes letters to lodge brothers, begging them for money.

During the last two years, Mozart works with obsession. Next to giving concerts he creates “Cosi fan tutte”, he travels to Frankfurt, where the emperor is crowned, he composes “Die Zauberflöte” (the Magic Flute) and “La clemenza di Tito” and begins with the mysterious commission work of the Requiem.

Starting in November 1791, Mozart is severely ill. He doesn’t recover and dies in the night of the 5th December, probably due to a rheumatic fever.