Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's future was probably predetermined even before he was born. "Wolferl" was born in Salzburg in 1756 as the son of the composer, famous violin teacher and archiepiscopal vice-chapelmaster Leopold Mozart. Thanks to his father's musical encouragement and education, he is regarded by us as a "child prodigy". However, scientists are now questioning whether this is really the case. Neuropsychologist Lutz Jäncke from the University of Zurich is convinced that Mozart was talented, extremely agile, hard-working, inquisitive and open-minded, but above all had practised much more than was and is usual for children of his age - and thus became a music expert. Mozart, who started playing the piano at the age of three and the violin at the age of four, was perhaps not "divinely gifted", but merely received the kind of training from his father that would not be expected of a child today. In addition, Leopold probably cheated a little in his stories. For example, the dates of composition of works were changed and the notes were recorded by the father, which the son is said to have invented even before he was able to write music himself.
In order to make this "child prodigy" famous, Leopold Mozart temporarily gave up his secure existence in Salzburg and travelled for several years with his children - as his daughter Nannerl also enjoyed a musical education - between European royal courts and cultural centres, where little Wolfgang was able to delight his audiences. The following programme was usually completed: Playing blindfolded, improvising on call and performing previously unknown sheet music. Nevertheless, Leopold Mozart was much more than a disciplined and success-orientated disciplinarian for "Wolferl". He was a role model for him as a musician, but also as a family man, skilful manager and planner, devout Catholic, Freemason and socially committed, educated and eloquent man of the Enlightenment. For a long time, he was his most important contact and confidant. The two worked hand in hand on projects - for example, Leopold copied Wolfgang's early works himself to prevent possible theft.
When it finally came to a break between father and son, it was painful for both sides. The dutiful Leopold could not understand why Wolfgang, for whom he had sacrificed himself financially and career-wise, had recklessly resigned from his permanent position in Salzburg and married Constanze Weber against his will. Mozart's life - now in Vienna, far away from his domineering father - quickly turned into a frenzy: excessive work, drinking binges and gambling debts. For a short time, his father's strict regime seemed forgotten, until news of his father's illness reached him in April 1787. He immediately wrote: "But if, against all odds, you are no better, I beg you to write me the plain truth so that I can be in your arms as soon as humanly possible; I implore you by all that is holy to us." There was no reply and no reunion: Leopold Mozart died a few weeks later in the arms of his daughter.
