Leopold Mozart (1719-1787) was born on November 14, 1719 as the first child of bookbinder Johann Georg Mozart and his wife Anna Maria in their house on Frauentorstrasse 30. Leopold, who had eight younger brothers and sisters, was eight years old when he entered St. Salvator’s Grammar School, run by Jesuits. His musical talent became evident at a very early stage. He sang in the church choirs of St. Ulrich and Heilig Kreuz.

In addition, he frequently sang in the Jesuits’ theatrical performances at his school, which took place in the venue now called the ‘Kleiner Goldener Saal’ (Small Golden Hall). The city’s Comedy Theatre offered Leopold the chance to listen to Italian operas and watch performances of the master singer of that time. After his father had died in 1737, Leopold did something unexpected towards the end of the year. Instead of attending courses at the Faculty of Theology in Augsburg as he did before, he enrolled at the University of Salzburg.

However, he remained in contact with his home town. Leopold was an acknowledged citizen of Augsburg and twice made the city council confirm his rights as a citizen. During his time as Royal Director of Music in Salzburg he still had a close relationship with his brother Franz Alois and got to know Johann Jakob Lotter (1727-1792) and Johann Andreas Stein (1728-1792) from Augsburg, to whom he wrote several letters. He also stayed in contact with the ‘Collegium Musicum’, which played many of his compositions, and the Monastery of Heilig Kreuz.

In fact, from 1759-1775, Hieronymus Graf Colloredo, who was to become Leopold's employer, was head of Augsburg’s St. Moritz Church. However, Leopold Mozart returned to his home town only as a guest.

When doing a concert tour with their children Wolfgang Amadeus and Nannerl, Leopold and his wife stayed in Augsburg from June 22 - July 6, 1763. The arrival of the Mozart family was also a topic for the local press. In three concerts, Leopold showed Augsburg how extremely talented his children were. During the day he went to visit the City Hall, his birthplace, St. Salvator’s Grammar School and the church of St. Ulrich together with his family. At the same time the children were introduced to their uncle Alois and his four-year-old daughter – their ‘Baesle' (cousin). They also met Johann Jakob Lotter and Johann Andreas Stein.
(R.W.)