The death of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, which occurred on December 5, 1791, remains a fascinating mystery. At just 35 years old, this musical genius left an immeasurable legacy. Nevertheless, the circumstances of his death continue to fuel widespread speculation.
The commission for his Requiem, which coincided with his premonition of death, marked the beginning of a troubled period. This masterpiece, which became iconic, became intertwined with the anguish of his final days. News of his death quickly spread throughout Vienna and then across the world.
This article explores the various theories surrounding his death. From medical explanations to enduring legends, each hypothesis deserves examination. Despite extensive research, the question of his death remains a subject of debate among historians and music enthusiasts.
The historical context and Mozart’s health in the months before his death
In 1791, Europe was rocked by upheaval. The French Revolution was making monarchies tremble, while Austria, under the newly crowned Emperor Leopold II, was experiencing a period of uncertainty. It was against this tense backdrop that the composer lived in Vienna, in a house on Rauhensteingasse that no longer exists. The period was marked by political and social tensions that profoundly influenced the artist’s life.
The situation in Vienna in 1791 and Mozart’s personal life
Mozart’s personal life was also beset by difficulties. He had been married to Constanze Weber for eight years and was the father of two children. Their son Franz had been born three months before his death, while the eldest, Karl, was boarding in the countryside. Financial problems were mounting, leading to the dismissal of their servants. The family’s material circumstances were deteriorating, particularly because the new emperor was not an ardent admirer of his work, unlike Joseph II.
The intense work on The Magic Flute and other major compositions
Despite these challenges, Mozart devoted himself passionately to his art. He had just created his celebrated Magic Flute (Die Zauberflöte), a work that required tremendous effort alongside his librettist Emanuel Schikaneder. Presented before the court on September 30, 1791, this composition illustrates his creative genius even near the end of his life. At the same time, he composed other notable works, including La clemenza di Tito, commissioned for the coronation of Leopold II, and the Clarinet Concerto in A major.
The early signs of his physical decline
After returning from a stay in Prague in early September 1791, Mozart experienced extreme fatigue. His physical appearance changed: he became intensely pale and his features appeared drawn. This profound weakness slowed his enthusiasm for work, creating a striking contrast with his usually lively mind. Although he continued to display his good humor, worrying signs of physical decline appeared, revealing an inner struggle as his health deteriorated.
| Events | Dates | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Birth of Franz | September 1791 | Newborn, Mozart’s youngest son |
| Premiere of The Magic Flute | September 30, 1791 | First performance before the Viennese court |
| Return from Prague | Early September 1791 | Experiences extreme fatigue |
| Mozart’s death | December 5, 1791 | At the age of 35 |
This period of Mozart’s life was therefore marked by a mixture of intense creativity and physical decline. Personal and professional challenges converged, creating a complex portrait of the artist on the eve of his death.
The enigmatic Requiem commission and its effect on Mozart’s condition
The enigmatic commission for the Requiem profoundly affected the final period of Mozart’s life. One evening, a tall man dressed in black appeared at his home. The emissary said that he represented a rich and powerful man who wished to commission a funeral work. The mystery deepened when the patron remained anonymous and gave Mozart 25 gold ducats.
The mystery was eventually solved. The patron was none other than Franz von Walsegg, a young, 28-year-old widowed count. He was in the habit of commissioning works from various composers and then claiming them as his own. Although substantial, the sum of 25 gold ducats was a windfall for Mozart’s family, which was experiencing increasing financial difficulties.
The identity and role of the mysterious emissary
This mysterious emissary captured the public imagination. His visit prompted considerable speculation about the true intentions behind the commission. The scene of his arrival at Mozart’s home became iconic, reinforcing the mystery surrounding the end of the composer’s life.
Mozart’s fixation on the Requiem as a reflection of his awareness of death
Mozart’s obsessive fixation on this composition is unmistakable. He devoted entire days to writing, taking both lunch and dinner in his study. His biographer, Alexander Ulibishev, attested to his tireless fervor. During a walk in the Prater, he confided his profound anxiety to his wife Constanze: “What if this emissary had been sent by heaven? What if I were composing my own Mass for the dead?”
The other works composed at the same time and their importance
Despite this obsession, Mozart continued to produce other major works. He worked on La clemenza di Tito and the Masonic Cantata K.623. These compositions demonstrate his extraordinary productivity and musical genius, even as he approached the end of his life.
| Events | Dates | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance of the emissary | 1791 | Visit from a man in black to commission a Requiem |
| Identity of the patron | 1791 | Franz von Walsegg, a young widowed count |
| Sum paid | 1791 | 25 gold ducats for the commission |
| Other works | 1791 | Composition of La clemenza di Tito and the Masonic Cantata |
This period was therefore marked by a mixture of mystery and creativity. The Requiem commission illustrates not only Mozart’s state of mind but also his unrivaled genius, even in the shadow of death.
The symptoms and progression of the illness
During the final months of his life, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart faced an alarming deterioration in his health. The symptoms that appeared were indicative of a serious illness. They affected not only his body but also his creative mind.
The physical symptoms: fatigue, pallor, swelling and pain
The clinical signs observed in Mozart were striking. He suffered from extreme fatigue, accompanied by intense pallor of the skin. His hands and feet exhibited swelling, while he suffered from painful vomiting and abdominal pain. These symptoms indicated increasing physical failure.
Accounts from his relatives and doctors concerning his condition
Mozart’s sister-in-law, Sophie Weber, was one of the people who spent the most time at his bedside. She described the progression of his condition, her frequent visits and the care taken to keep him comfortable. Together with Constanze, she made a night jacket suited to his swollen body, making it easier for him to move. The doctors, meanwhile, put forward various hypotheses about the nature of his illness. Dr. Closset recommended rest, while another doctor suggested meningitis, although the symptoms pointed instead to an acute kidney infection.
The October relapse and signs of rapid deterioration
In early October 1791, Mozart’s condition appeared to improve. He was even energized by the launch of his opera. Two weeks later, however, his health deteriorated again. A persistent fever took hold, transforming the 35-year-old man into an exhausted old man. The vomiting and abdominal pain intensified, suggesting an acute kidney infection.
Around November 20, Mozart spent his first full day confined to bed, a decisive turning point in the progression of his illness. The signs of partial paralysis and swelling of his limbs were alarming. The situation highlighted the limitations of medicine at the time, which was unable to treat a streptococcal bacterial infection effectively. In this context, his death was virtually inevitable.
| Symptoms | Observations | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Extreme fatigue | Deteriorated general condition | October–December 1791 |
| Pallor of the skin | Change in physical appearance | October–December 1791 |
| Swelling | Affected parts of the body | November 1791 |
| Painful vomiting | Recurring symptom | November 1791 |
| Partial paralysis | Signs of neurological failure | November 1791 |
These events illustrate Mozart’s struggle against an illness that transformed his life as the days passed. The combination of these symptoms and the absence of effective treatment led to a tragic outcome, marking the end of an exceptional life.
How did Mozart die? The main theories
The tragic end of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart continues to raise many questions today. The circumstances of his death at the age of 35 are surrounded by mystery and speculation. Several theories attempt to explain what led to his premature death.
The infectious disease hypothesis
One of the strongest theories centers on a chronic kidney infection caused by streptococcal bacteria. This infection, which had reportedly been present in his body since childhood, may have caused various symptoms, including fever attacks, headaches and, ultimately, end-stage kidney failure. Contemporary witnesses reported clinical signs such as abdominal pain and skin rashes.
This pathological process may have caused bouts of tonsillitis, polyarthritis and even migraines. These symptoms reflect an illness that worsened over the years, placing the composer’s health in jeopardy.
The poisoning legend
Another popular but unfounded theory suggests that Antonio Salieri may have orchestrated Mozart’s poisoning. Although this idea captured the public imagination, it remains speculation unsupported by evidence. Mozart himself expressed fears of being poisoned at the time, which helped fuel this enduring legend.
Although he attended Mozart’s funeral, Salieri was never found guilty of such an act. Rumors of poisoning, partly arising from the rivalry between musicians, persist in popular culture.
Overwork and exhaustion
Overwork may also have played a crucial role in the deterioration of Mozart’s health. His intensive work on the Requiem and The Magic Flute undoubtedly weakened his immune defenses. He was known at the time for maintaining a demanding schedule, which may have contributed to his fragile health.
On November 28, 1791, a second doctor was called and declared that nothing more could be done to save the musician, predicting his imminent death. This diagnosis marked a tragic turning point in Mozart’s life.
Other, less popular theories
In addition to the best-known hypotheses, several other theories have circulated over the centuries. Some suggest the involvement of the Freemasons, while others propose rare diseases. These theories, however, lack solid evidence and remain in the realm of imagination.
More than two centuries after his death, the mystery surrounding Mozart’s demise persists. His musical genius and the circumstances of his final days continue to intrigue historians and music enthusiasts.
The circumstances surrounding his final hours and funeral
Wolfgang Amadeus’s final days, marked by great emotional intensity, were steeped in profound sadness. On December 3, 1791, he organized a rehearsal of the Requiem in his bedroom. In the presence of a few loyal companions, he sang the alto part. Overcome with emotion, he collapsed in tears when Benedikt Schack and Franz Xaver Gerl began the Lacrimosa. This poignant moment reveals that he was aware he would be unable to complete his work.
The following day, December 4, his sister-in-law Sophie Weber arrived. She found his wife Constanze on the verge of despair. At that moment, Mozart summoned Sophie to his bedside and confided these touching words to her:
“Ah, dear Sophie, how glad I am that you are here. You must stay tonight and watch me die.”
He added:
“I can already taste death on my tongue.”
These words attest to his clear awareness of his approaching end.
Early that evening, he sent for his 25-year-old pupil, Franz Xaver Süssmayr. He gave him instructions for completing the Requiem, the final act of a composer concerned about his legacy. The chronology of his last hours is tragic: the doctor arrived at around 10:30 p.m. and applied cold compresses to his burning forehead. At around 11 p.m., Mozart lost consciousness. At 1 a.m. on December 5, 1791, he stopped breathing.
The sad reality of his funeral and financial circumstances
Mozart’s funeral was governed by the strict provisions of an edict issued by Emperor Joseph II in 1784. The edict imposed austere burials on ordinary citizens. He was therefore buried in an anonymous communal grave. A handful of relatives followed his remains to St. Marx Cemetery. Only a brief religious service was held, without Mass or music, in a side chapel of St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
The family’s financial situation was disastrous. Mozart’s wife Constanze was forced to ask the parish to cover the cost of a cross. Although tragic, Mozart’s death also reflects the precarious circumstances in which he lived despite earning a reasonable income.
The immediate impact of his death on Viennese society
The death of Wolfgang Amadeus had a profound impact on Viennese society. His passing occurred amid a troubling indifference that contrasts with the posthumous recognition of his genius. The musical world now celebrates his legacy, but at the time few people understood the scale of his contribution.
In short, Mozart’s final days and funeral were steeped in melancholy. Although his musical genius was celebrated later, it was surrounded by mystery and tragedy. To learn more about the circumstances of his death, you can read this article on ResMusica.
Conclusion: the enduring mystery surrounding Mozart’s death, between fact and legend
The mystery surrounding the death of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart continues to captivate historians and music lovers. At 35, he died amid a troubling indifference that contrasts with the posthumous recognition of his genius. His works, including the unfinished Requiem and The Magic Flute, remain a source of emotion and admiration throughout the world.
In the absence of an autopsy, modern research points to a chronic kidney infection as the probable cause of his death. The legend that Salieri poisoned him, although unfounded, continues to fuel the public imagination. The mystery surrounding his death helped shape Mozart’s aura, transforming him into an enigmatic figure whose work transcends the ages.
As interest in his death shows no sign of fading, new discoveries may yet shed light on this troubled period in music history. To learn more about his Requiem and legacy, research continues.