Happy Birthday to Motzart

Born in 1762 in Salzburg, Austria Amadeus Mozart the child prodigy has been part of humanity ever since. By age 8 he seamed to carry the wisdom of someone 40 years his age someone once remarked. He rose to his peek in the 1780 by promoting himself all the way along.

While Beethoven was a subtle political satirist Mozart was a devout Catholic. This is certainly tied to his home town of Salzburg. During the Hundred Years War the Pope sought to prop up a strong hold in the north for Catholicism. With the Bishop the Italian influence was brought along as well. This can be seen in the Italian style plazas and the abundance of churches throughout the city (if you are relay good see how many of the Papal Keys you can find on buildings through out the city).

A brief walk down the Getreidegasse Street in Salzburg will bring you right past Mozart’s old apartment. The street is one of the most picturesque in all of Europe. Local interest has seen to it to preserve the medieval aesthetic through strict building ordinances. This can be seen in signage. Even McDonalds has had to comply with its medieval arches. While still holding its charm with a gloss of commercialism painted over it Mozart’s home has both a Mango (Gap like store) across the street and the cheesy gift shop with a fake manikin of the man him self.

But in all fairness to the late great composer he hated Salzburg he longed for Vienna and other more cosmopolitan places and couldn’t wait to get out. One Salzburg native even went as far as encouraging us to skip any and all Mozart attractions. We dutifully complied, and took the cheesy Sound of Music tour instead.