How Long Did Mozart Live in Prague?

By Anna Duncan

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, one of the greatest music composers of all time, spent a significant portion of his life touring Europe in search of new audiences and patrons. During one such tour, he visited Prague, which was then part of the Kingdom of Bohemia under the Habsburg Monarchy. Mozart’s stay in Prague was a significant milestone in his career, and it left an indelible mark on the city’s cultural history.

Mozart arrived in Prague in January 1787 and stayed for two months until March. He was warmly welcomed by the city’s musical community, who had already heard some of his works performed by other musicians. Mozart’s first performance in Prague was a concert at the Estates Theatre, which attracted a large audience.

The concert included some of Mozart’s most famous works, including the Symphony No. 38 “Prague” and Piano Concerto No. 24.

During his stay in Prague, Mozart also composed several new works specifically for the city’s audience. One such work was the opera “Don Giovanni,” which premiered at the Estates Theatre on October 29, 1787. The opera was an instant success and became one of Mozart’s most famous works.

Mozart’s popularity in Prague continued to grow after his departure from the city. His music became an integral part of Prague’s cultural identity, and many musicians and composers were inspired by his work. In fact, some scholars argue that Mozart had a more profound impact on Czech music than any other foreign composer.

In conclusion, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart lived in Prague for two months from January to March 1787. During his stay, he performed concerts at the Estates Theatre and composed several new works for the city’s audience, including the famous opera “Don Giovanni.” His visit had a lasting impact on Prague’s cultural history and cemented his place as one of the greatest composers of all time.

Interesting Facts About Mozart’s Stay in Prague

  • Mozart was so impressed by the warm reception he received in Prague that he referred to the city as “My dear Prague” in a letter to his wife.
  • The premiere of “Don Giovanni” was attended by the Emperor Joseph II, who was so impressed by the opera that he ordered it to be performed at the Imperial Court Theatre in Vienna.
  • Mozart’s visit to Prague inspired several Czech composers, including Josef Mysliveček and František Xaver Dušek, who were both close friends of his.

Mozart’s Legacy in Prague

Mozart’s stay in Prague left an indelible mark on the city’s cultural history. Today, his music is still widely performed and celebrated in the city, and his legacy is evident in many aspects of Czech culture.

For example, there are several museums and monuments dedicated to Mozart throughout Prague, including a statue of him in the Lesser Town Square. Additionally, the Estates Theatre continues to be one of the most important cultural institutions in Prague, and it still performs many of Mozart’s works.