Music History
Monday is a weekly exploration of musical greats. This week, we’re taking a look at Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, one of the greatest classical composers who ever lived, and his other child, Franz Xavier Mozart. Mozart had just one child, born in 1791 and who was known as Felix. Few people know that 22 years earlier another child, Franz Xavier, was born, but died in infancy. Franz Xavier’s life was even shorter than Wolfgang Amadeus Mozarts – but his legacy is something that has outlasted his short life.
Early Life and Education
Franz Xavier was born on July 26, 1769 in Salzburg, Austria. His father Leopold was a successful musician and court composer for the Prince of Salzburg. His mother, Anna Maria, and Leopold had been married for 13 years when Franz Xavier was born and had had numerous stillbirths before their first healthy child, Wolfgang Amadeus.
Although their time together was short, it is certain that Leopold taking care of and teaching his two young sons. At age three, Franz was taught by his father to play the keyboard instruments, and he quickly began to compose his own compositions using the same method he taught Wolfgang. Eventually, Franz started to learn other instruments, such as the violin, and started to take lessons from the best teachers in all of Salzburg.
Mozart’s Health
Unfortunately, Mozart did not remain healthy. His slight build and delicate nature led him to contract illnesses more frequently than his brother. In February 1772, he suffered from a severe bout of fever and inflamation of the chest. His condition turned so desperate that his parents started to fear for his life. Unfortunately, Franz died on March 29, 1772. He was only two-and-a-half years old.
The Musical Legacy of Franz Xavier
Despite having lived a short life, Franz Xavier Mozart left a lasting impact on the musical world. When Wolfgang was eight, he composed his first opera, one that featured music from his brother Franz in the form of a duet. The duet was the first of many pieces that he composed in the memory of his late brother, cementing Franz Xavier’s legacy as the forgotten Mozart child.
Mozart wrote symphonies, double bassoon concertos and operas in his brother’s name, further immortalizing him through his music. The Viennese court also continued to play his works from time to time, as a tribute to the memory of Franz Xavier. From 1818 onward, Mozart’s works became even more widely known and performed.
The music of Franz Xavier is still remembered to this day, through performances around the world. His works are featured in concerts, films and even at prestigious music schools. His influence is also heavily felt in modern classical music, with the music of Franz Xavier becoming the source for many contemporary composers.
Memorials and Tributes
Franz Xavier’s death was heartbreaking for his entire family. The Mozarts commemorated him through memorials and tributes. After his death, the Mozart family home in Salzburg was filled with grief and mourning. Upon his grave in the cemetery of St. Sebastian, a simple but symbolic monument was erected. It bore two marble pillars with a cross in the middle, as well as a small marble engraving of Franz’s name and birth and death dates.
The Mozarts also kept in his memory an old china porcelain vase that he had discovered in one of the family’s journeys and later sent back home. They kept the vase in their parlor, a place of remembrance and mourning.
In 1873, the City of Salzburg dedicated a memorial plaque to him at the St. Sebastian churchyard. Further tributes have been paid to him in the form of concerts in his honor, performances of his work, and more recently, a symposium on his life and music in 2017.
Franz Xavier Mozart is still remembered today as the forgotten child of music. Although his life was short, his legacy lives on through all of the musical works and tributes dedicated to him. Music History Monday reminds us all that even though the legacy of one individual may be small, its impact can definitely be felt for years to come.
