What We Know About Wolfgang Death
When people ask about Wolfgang death, they are usually referring to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who died in 1791 at age 35. This profile explains verified dates, causes, and circumstances, distinguishing historical record from speculation. Mozart remains one of the most studied and performed composers in Western music history. Below are key verified facts that clarify his final illness, death, and enduring legacy. Later sections contextualize records, correct common myths, and highlight reliable sources.
Key Verified Facts and Timeline
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Johannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart | Baptismal record |
| Date of death | 5 December 1791 | Vienna municipal records |
| Age at death | 35 years | Calculated from baptism and death dates |
| Reported cause | Severe swelling (likely strep or rheumatic fever) | Physician notes and postmortem descriptions |
| Burial | Unmarked grave at St. Marx Cemetery | Vienna burial records |
| Notable works near death | Requiem Mass in D minor, Clarinet Concerto | Autograph manuscripts and performance logs |
Illness and Final Days
From late November 1791, Mozart complained of swelling, fever, and aches. Treating physicians described significant swelling, difficulty breathing, and reduced urine, consistent with a severe infection. He remained conscious and composed music until shortly before dying. Contemporary accounts emphasize his clarity of mind rather than dramatic delirium. No exact modern diagnosis is certain, but clinicians commonly cite streptococcal infection leading to acute rheumatic fever or nephritis.
Burial and Postmortem Record
Mozart was buried in a common grave at St. Marx Cemetery outside Vienna, following standard practice for non-indigent citizens without family-funded plots. This explains the absence of a marked grave for years. Later efforts to locate his remains proved inconclusive, and multiple exhumations in the 19th and early 20th centuries yielded unreliable results. Modern scholarship relies on church and civic records rather than physical remains.
Common Myths and Reality Checks
Popular stories often claim Mozart was poisoned, died in poverty, or was buried like a dog. In reality, he had steady commissions until late in 1791 and was not destitute. While Vienna burial customs differed from modern practice, he was treated with customary respect for his status. Scholars emphasize these corrections to prevent misinformation from obscuring historical understanding.
Musical Legacy and Influence
Wolfgang death did not end his influence. His operas, symphonies, and concertos became central to the repertoire and were rapidly published after his death. Pupils and contemporaries spread his techniques, and later composers such as Beethoven and Schubert adopted his formal innovations. Reliable catalogues, such as Köchel, help trace the global reach of his works over centuries, confirming sustained scholarly and public interest.
Reliable Research Pathways
For deeper verification, consult municipal death registers, physician notes preserved in archives, and critical biographies grounded in primary documents. Reputable institutions and academic editions provide dependable data. Online catalogues list first editions and authenticated facsimiles, while scholarly journals apply rigorous sourcing. Cross referencing multiple authoritative records is the best approach to distinguish confirmed information from conjecture.