George Washington and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
George Washington and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart were important figures in the 1700s. Washington was influential in politics and leadership, and Mozart was influential in music, but both demonstrated a strong work ethic. These men did not lack in hard work or loyalty, and they both set an incredible example for us today.
George Washington was born in Virginia on February 11 1732. This hero was born to a middle-class family, and he had a comfortable childhood. George had six siblings survive to adulthood, but at age 11, sadly, George’s father died. Lawrence Washington, George’s brother, took care of George. George was strongly influenced by Lawrence’s father-in-law, William Fairfax, who helped him earn his commission. George was mostly homeschooled and had a tutor until age 15, when he began to work. In 1784, at age 16, Washington started his first job of surveying with his brother. He mapped several portions of western Virginia, and was appointed chief surveyor of Culpeper County, and began to purchase his own land for speculative purposes. Lawrence died in 1752 and left all the family estates to George. Washington was to replace his brother as one of the four militia leaders for Virginia. George led a small part of a militia during the French and Indian War. He quit his surveying job due to foolish campaigns, and remained inactive in military duties until the Revolutionary War. He decided to return to his plantation, which he named Mount Vernon, and live a peaceful life. He married a wealthy lady named Martha Custis, and adopted her two children during 1759. Washington kept the peace among several officers, and provided great leadership during the Revolutionary War. In 1783 the war finally ended and for the next four years, George enjoyed his plantation and family. He lived a quiet life until 1787 when he was called to become President of the Constitutional Convention. Washington was a leader in the meetings to discuss the leading towards the Constitution, and was an important figure during its development. When the Constitution was ratified in 1789, George was elected to be the first President of the United States. Washington took this job very seriously. He understood the importance of organizing the writing of the Constitution. George served two terms and could have been elected for a third term, but he decided he had been president long enough, so he transferred the presidency to John Adams. Washington gave a farewell address and returned to Mount Vernon with his family, and died on his plantation in 1799. Washington is ranked as one of the greatest presidents, and is remembered as an American hero.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in Salzburg, Austria in 1756. Mozart and his sister were the only children to survive into adulthood. Five of their siblings died in infancy. At an early age, it was clear that Mozart had a unique gift for music. Wolfgang learned the clavier at the age of three by watching his father teach his sister and mimicking her. Mozart’s father realized his son’s talent and began to teach Wolfgang the clavier. Wolfgang taught himself how to play the violin, and later, his father began to bring his two children on tours around Europe to perform. The children were instantly famous, but the long tours were hard on all of them. Mozart and his father departed in 1769 on a long tour to the country of Italy, and one of Mozart’s greatest achievements occurred during this trip. While listening to the Vatican choir, Mozart copied down their music, he nearly landed in trouble until it was heard he had copied it from memory. Wolfgang was awarded the Order of the Golden Spur by the Pope. He returned to Salzburg in 1773, and he was made assistant concertmaster at age 17. During the next 4 years, Mozart made many pieces of music, including several piano concerts. Mozart left Salzburg in 1777 in an attempt to find a better employment in a larger city, but was unsuccessful. In 1781, he received a job offer from the Archbishop of Vienna. Mozart found that this job payed less than his previous job and that the treatment was terrible, so he resigned. Mozart married Constanze Weber in 1782, and had six children, but only two survived infancy. His fame began to spread due to the popularity of Wolfgang’s opera, Die Entfuhrung. Mozart received high praise for his collaboration with another composer, which helped increase his income that was being spent quickly on his extravagant lifestyle. Wolfgang received an invitation in 1787, to become the chamber composer for the court of Emperor Joseph the second. 1788-1789 was a terrible time for Mozart, but he revived his career in 1790-1791 with new pieces of music. His health and mind began to decrees and Mozart died in 1791. Wolfgang was to write a requiem, but died before he could finish it, so his wife found a composer to finish the music and help her earn the rest of his commission.
George Washington and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart are considered the most gifted men in history. George is often referred to as an American hero, a successful leader, and an influential president. Mozart is considered the most gifted prolific composers of the Classical Era. Both of these men had a strong influence in America which continues today.