MOZART (WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART) - FAMOUS BIPOLAR MUSICIAN
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is known to be one of the most brilliant composers of the Classical Era. Mozart was born in Austria on 27 January 1756. He has to his credit more than 600 works which became some of the most famous compositions of piano, choral, chamber, operatic and symphonic music. Mozart had a passion for music from the very beginning. When he was 5 years old, he composed for the first time and also performed in front of the European royalty. He acquired proficiency in playing the violin and keyboard. When Mozart was 17 years old he was appointed as a court musician in Salzburg.
Mozart had a restless nature. He could not keep himself confined in Salzburg and travelled extensively to search for new and better positions. Due to the very same reason, he was removed from his position in Salzburg while he was visiting Vienna. Mozart decided to stay in the capital permanently and acquired a lot of fame there. Though he was famous but he still had financial troubles. Many of Mozart’s best works were composed in Vienna during his last years. The Requiem was also completed in Vienna. Mozart was a true genius. It is said that Beethoven was also influenced by his work and some of Beethoven’s early compositions reflected Mozart’s style.
Many authors mention in their writings that Mozart suffered from a bipolar disorder or depression. In some of Mozart’s letters, he has mentioned that he experiences sadness, tearfulness and depressed mood. He also mentioned at several places that his interest in composing is diminishing. Mozart also complained of being unable to concentrate, energy loss, and also had feelings of guilt. If we compare all these symptoms, then according to today’s diagnostic standards, it can be concluded that Mozart suffered from a major depression. There are evidences mentioning that at times Mozart used to get up at 6 am in the morning and kept on working till 2 am. He also used to write letters which were incoherent and also used inappropriate humor. Mozart also had a difficulty in handling money. He used his father’s help to do so.
Mozart also asked for a lot of attention from his wife, friends, father and he could not tolerate being alone. He showed a temper outburst many times and he also got into a lot of drinking. It has always been unclear that what made him do all this. It might have been the extensive travelling during his early years or the importance or the fame he got in a young age that might have inflicted the disorder. Whatever the case may be, it is now accepted as a fact that he did suffer from the disease.
Mozart also married to Constanze and had 2 sons. He fell ill while in Prague in September 1791. The illness could not be cured and intensified with time. Mozart died on 5 December 1791 when he was only 35 years old. Joseph Hayden once wrote “posterity will not see such a talent again in 100 years.