Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, often simply referred to as Mozart, stands as one of the most influential and prolific composers in the history of Western classical music. Born on January 27, 1756, in Salzburg, Austria, he was baptized as Johannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart, though he later adopted the Latin form of his name, Amadeus, meaning "beloved of God."
Mozart was born into a musically gifted family. His father, Leopold Mozart, was a respected composer, violinist, and music teacher, and he recognized his son's prodigious talents at an early age. Under Leopold's guidance, Mozart began composing music by the age of five and was already proficient on the keyboard and violin.