Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was a prolific and influential composer of the Classical era. Born in Salzburg, he showed prodigious ability from early childhood, composing at the age of five and performing before European royalty. During his short life, he composed over 600 works, many of which are acknowledged as pinnacles of symphonic, concertante, chamber, operatic, and choral music. His operas, such as 'The Marriage of Figaro,' 'Don Giovanni,' and 'The Magic Flute,' are staples of the modern opera house. Mozart possessed an extraordinary melodic gift and a sophisticated understanding of instrumentation. Despite his genius, he often struggled financially and died at the young age of 35. His music is celebrated for its clarity, balance, and transparency, and he remains one of the most enduringly popular of all classical composers.