History Facts

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, born in what is now Austria, was a world famous composer during the Classical era. Mozart composed many symphonies, sonatas and operas. He was a master with the piano and violin. His music is famous across the world and will be for centuries to come. Today’s post provides you with a list of some interesting facts about Mozart.

Fact #1 - Mozart’s full name was Johannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart.

While that can be a mouthful, it’s not nearly as long as Picasso’s.

Fact #2 - Wolfgang Mozart lived to be only 35 years old.

He was born January 27, 1756 and died December 5, 1791. Though the exact cause of his death is uncertain, most historians believe it was a case of acute rheumatic fever that Mozart finally succombed to.

Fact #3 - Mozart was a child prodigy.

Like most famous composers and artists, Mozart was able to produce masterpieces at a very young age. He was a genius and performed publicly at the age of 4. By the time of his death, Mozart produced over 600 musical compositions.

Fact #4 - Mozart was not a rich man.

Despite his popularity and famous works, Mozart always found himself in debt. He suffered from depression and moved several times because he could not afford to keep up his estate. Though he made a lot of money, he always spent it. If only they had radio and cds back then, he would have received untold amounts of money in royalties.

Fact #5 - Mozart was a Freemason.

On 14 December 1784, Mozart became a Freemason. He was very active in the fraternity and well respected amongst other members. Mozart even composed for performance at gatherings of Masons.

Pablo Picasso is one of the most famous artists in history. His art is recognized by nearly everyone and he continues to be the top selling artist. One thing people may not know about Picasso is that he was famous while alive. He also had four children, three of which are still alive today.

Fact #1 - Pablo Picasso’s real name is Pablo Diego José Francisco de Paula Juan Nepomuceno María de los Remedios Cipriano de la Santísima Trinidad Martyr Patricio Clito Ruiz y Picasso. It is a series of names that honor saints, his mother, and his father.

Do you think when his parents got mad that they yelled out his entire name before sending him to his room? That seriously has to be the longest name in recorded history.

Fact #2 - Unlike many great artists before him who died poor and unknown, Pablo Picasso became rich and famous long before his death in 1973.

Picasso didn’t have to cut off his own ear, or commit suicide to become famous. His works were unique and caught the attention of major collectors and museums.

Fact #3 - During his career he created over 20,000 works. Garçon à la pipe was one of his most famous pieces and sold for USD $104 million at Sotheby’s on May 4, 2004, establishing a new price record.

Picasso was wealthy during his time, but I bet he’d be rolling over in his grave if he knew one of his paintings from 1905 would sell for over $100 million.

Fact #4 - Pablo Picasso pioneered the cubism movement.

I don’t really understand cubism art, it looks like a jumbleded up mess if you ask me. But some say it is the most beautiful form of art because of the random angles and coherent sense of depth in each painting.