Born in Salzburg on January 27, 1756, Mozart began his interest in music at a very early age. He began composing at the young age of five years old, and at six, was playing before the Bavarian elector and the Austrian empress. His father, Leopold Mozart, believed that it would be profitable to exhibit his children's musical talent. Aside from his musical genius, Wolfgang's sister, Maria Anna, was an extremely gifted keyboard player. In 1753, the Mozart family began their tour through Paris and London. Audiences were astonished by the skills of these children. During their tour, Wolfgang and Maria Anna played to the French and English royal families. Arriving back home in 1766, they set off again to Vienna nine years later in hopes of having an opera by Mozart performed. .
After spending a year in Salzburg, between 1770 and 1773 the family made three visits to Italy. While there, Mozart wrote two operas, Mitridate and Lucio Silla. Wolfgang then journeyed to Munich for the premier of his opera La finta giardiniera in 1775. During this period he worked as Konzertmeister at the Prince Archbishop's court. He created many masses, symphonies, all of his violin concertos, six piano sonatas, and several serenades and divertimentos during this time.
Since there were limited opportunities for composers in Salzburg, Mozart's family sought post elsewhere for him. Accompanied by his mother, he was sent to Munich and Manneheim. Although he was offered no job, he composed piano and flute pieces while in Mannheim, and also fell in love with Aloysia Weber. Next, his father sent him to Paris in hopes of finding work. Only minor successes were fulfilled here, such as his Paris Symphony no. 31. Since there were no prospects in either location, his father ordered him to return home. Sadly, he returned alone because his mother had passed away in Paris. In the years following this tragedy, Wolfgang composed very dramatic pieces.