Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart passed away on December 5, 1791, in Vienna at the age of 35. His death, surrounded by mystery and speculation, has been the subject of extensive research and debate. Key questions revolve around the progression of his illness, the cause of his death, and whether his funeral arrangements were standard for his era or indicative of neglect.

Mozart’s Final Months

Accounts of Mozart’s final months were initially shaped by early biographers such as Franz Niemetschek and Georg Nikolaus von Nissen, relying heavily on testimonies from Mozart’s widow, Constanze, and her sister, Sophie Weber. These accounts paint a picture of a steady decline in Mozart’s health.

• In August 1791, during a trip to Prague for the premiere of La clemenza di Tito, Mozart appeared pale and melancholy.
• Returning to Vienna in September, his health worsened, although he managed to complete significant works, including the Clarinet Concerto (K. 622) and the Requiem (K. 626).
• Mozart reportedly believed he was being poisoned and confided his premonitions of death to Constanze, claiming he was composing the Requiem for himself.

Despite temporary improvement in November, he became bedridden on November 20, experiencing severe swelling, pain, and vomiting. He succumbed to his illness two weeks later, on December 5.

Modern scholars question the decline-and-despair narrative.

• Cliff Eisen and Ruth Halliwell argue that the traditional view is biased, shaped by posthumous accounts influenced by personal and financial motives.
• Letters from November 1791 reveal Mozart in good spirits, contradicting claims of prolonged gloom.
• Christoph Wolff disputes the interpretation of Mozart’s late works as reflective of despair, suggesting his music expressed vitality rather than resignation.

What theories exist about the cause of Mozart’s death?

The official cause of death, recorded as “severe miliary fever,” lacks specificity. Speculation about underlying illnesses includes:

• Infectious Diseases: A 2009 study linked Mozart’s symptoms to a streptococcal infection, leading to post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis. This aligns with widespread illnesses in Vienna at the time.
• Rheumatic Fever: Proposed by some medical historians based on his symptoms and past health issues.
• Trichinosis: A 2001 hypothesis suggests he contracted this from undercooked pork.
• Subdural Hematoma: Linked to head injuries Mozart reportedly suffered in 1789 and 1790, which could have been exacerbated by medical treatments like bloodletting.
• Vitamin D Deficiency: Suggested as a contributing factor due to limited sun exposure.

Possible Homicide

Conspiracy theories surrounding Mozart’s death include poisoning:

• Antonio Salieri: Early rumors implicated Salieri, Mozart’s rival, but this theory lacks evidence. Salieri denied the accusations and suffered emotional distress from the claims.
• Masonic and Anti-Semitic Conspiracies: Some theories involve secret societies or anti-Semitic plots, but historians dismiss these as baseless.

Contradictory Witness Accounts

Various individuals present during Mozart’s final days later shared their recollections, often conflicting:

Friend Benedikt Schack claimed that on the day of his death, Mozart rehearsed parts of the Requiem. Other accounts, including one from Niemetschek, describe him reviewing the score tearfully.

Constanze reportedly recalled Mozart expressing distress over leaving his family unprovided for. His son Karl mentioned severe swelling and a rapid bodily decline.

Funeral Arrangements

Mozart’s funeral arrangements have also been scrutinized.

He was buried in a common grave at St. Marx Cemetery, in line with Viennese practices for non-aristocrats. Common graves were individual but not permanent, as the land was reused after ten years.

The idea of a pauper’s grave is a misconception; Mozart’s burial was consistent with his disdain for elaborate rites, which he considered superstitious.

Contradicting tales of a stormy funeral, weather records from December 6, 1791, indicate mild conditions, undermining sensationalized accounts.

Financial Struggles

Following Mozart’s death, Constanze worked diligently to secure financial stability for her family.

She appealed to Emperor Leopold II for a widow’s pension and organized benefit concerts of Mozart’s works.

Over time, these efforts, along with the publication of his compositions, ensured her financial security.

Questions and Answers

What were the circumstances of Mozart’s death?

Mozart died on December 5, 1791, at age 35 in Vienna. His health had deteriorated in the weeks prior, and he was bedridden with symptoms like swelling, pain, and vomiting. The exact cause remains disputed.

Was Mozart’s death gradual or sudden?

Accounts differ: some suggest a steady decline marked by fear and sadness, while others note periods of good spirits and productivity, such as completing compositions shortly before his death.

What was the role of Mozart’s wife, Constanze, during his final days?

Constanze sought to comfort Mozart by encouraging him to pause his work on the Requiem. After his death, she managed concerts and publications of his work, securing financial stability.

What myths surround Mozart’s funeral?

Contrary to popular belief, Mozart was not buried in a pauper’s grave but in a common citizen’s grave, typical of Viennese customs. Sparse attendance and stormy weather at his funeral have been exaggerated in later retellings.

What was the role of the Requiem during Mozart’s final days?

Mozart believed he was composing the Requiem for his own funeral. Accounts vary on whether he dictated portions of it on his deathbed to Franz Xaver Süssmayr.