Explore the scandalous lifestyle of Mozart, drawing parallels with modern pop stars and his peculiar eating habits. Learn about his difficult living conditions and travels as a famous family. Discover Mozart's transition into adulthood and the challenges he faced. Dive into the similarities between Mozart and Michael Jackson in pursuit of perfectionism. Discuss the public's reaction to Mozart's operas and the desire to meet him without desiring a romantic relationship. End with thoughts on a fascinating person and plea for engagement.
Mozart's scatological themes in his music helped him connect with a wider audience.
Mozart's complex relationship with his father, Leopold, influenced his pursuit of independence.
Deep dives
Mozart's Accessible Music and Controversial Works
Mozart's music is often seen as inaccessible and elitist, but his early compositions, such as 'Lick Me in the Arse,' demonstrate his ability to connect with a wider audience. Despite his genius, Mozart had a mischievous and childlike sense of humor, often incorporating scatological themes in his work. These controversial elements, along with his energetic performances and tours, attracted a devoted fan base, with him being compared to modern-day rock stars.
Mozart's Puberty, Love Affairs, and Marriage
As Mozart grew up, he experienced the difficulties of adolescence and the loss of his mother, which affected him deeply. Despite his childhood fame and success, he faced the challenges of navigating relationships and love. Mozart had crushes on his sister's friends and later fell in love with Aloysia Weber, a singer. However, she did not reciprocate his feelings. Eventually, Mozart married Constanze Weber, Aloysia's younger sister. Although they had children together, their marriage was not without its complications, with Mozart being unfaithful and having numerous affairs.
Mozart's Career and Freemasonry
Mozart was highly dedicated to his music career from a young age, exhibiting a perfectionistic approach to his compositions. He toured extensively, performing for royalty and aristocracy across Europe. Additionally, Mozart became involved in Freemasonry, a prestigious and influential men's club at the time. His membership in Freemasonry helped him secure contracts for concerts and operas. His work, such as the opera 'The Magic Flute,' reflects Masonic influences and themes.
Mozart's Tragic End and Relationship with his Father
Mozart's life was tragically cut short at the age of 35. Contrary to popular belief, there is no evidence linking his death to poisoning by Antonio Salieri. Mozart's health deteriorated, and he suffered from a high fever and abdominal pain, eventually succumbing to illness. His relationship with his father, Leopold, was complex. While Leopold guided Mozart's early career, tensions arose as Mozart sought independence. Leopold's death occurred before Mozart's, and their relationship never fully healed.
When we think of the biggest pop icons of all time, we might reach for Madonna, Elvis, or yes, even Michael Jackson.
One name that’s not thrown into the pot is Mozart. But why? His music was undoubtedly the pop music of his day, and as we’ll find out today, he had all the stardom and groupies of anyone in the modern day.
Joining us is Judith Grohmann, author of The Real Mozart: The Original King of Pop, to provide answers to questions such as what was he really like as a person? What influence did his relationship with his father have? And why did he write a song about eating excrement?!
This episode was edited by Tom Delargy, and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.
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