As a music historian with a keen interest in the life and works of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, I can provide a detailed account of his musical collaborations. Mozart was a prodigious composer and performer, and throughout his life, he played with a variety of musicians and ensembles, both in formal settings and in more intimate gatherings.

Mozart's musical journey began at a very young age, with his father, Leopold Mozart, serving as his first teacher and collaborator. Leopold was a competent musician himself, having earned his living as a music teacher and playing for the Archbishop of Salzburg. Recognizing the extraordinary talent of his son, Leopold nurtured and guided Wolfgang's musical education from an early age. It is said that Mozart could play the harpsichord by the age of three, and by the time he was six, he was already composing music.

As Mozart grew older, his circle of musical collaborators expanded. He played with his sister, Maria Anna, known as Nannerl, who was also a talented musician. Together, they performed on harpsichords and pianos, often in front of European royalty and nobility during their family's tours across Europe.

Mozart's professional career took off when he moved to Vienna in 1781. In the Austrian capital, he became a central figure in the city's vibrant musical scene. He played with some of the finest musicians of the time, including the violinist Regina Strinasacchi, with whom he performed a violin sonata in a concert at the Burgtheater in 1783.

In addition to playing with individual musicians, Mozart also collaborated with orchestras and ensembles. He was a frequent performer at the concerts of the Tonkünstler-Societät, an organization that promoted music and supported composers and musicians. Mozart conducted and played the piano in many of these concerts, often premiering his own compositions.

Mozart's operatic works required him to work closely with singers, and he had the opportunity to collaborate with some of the most renowned vocalists of his day. For his opera "The Marriage of Figaro," he worked with a cast that included the soprano Caterina Cavalieri and the tenor Anton Raaff. For "Don Giovanni," he collaborated with the bass-baritone Luca Antolini and the soprano Caterina Bondini.

Mozart's chamber music also brought him into contact with a variety of instrumentalists. He played string quartets with the Flöge Quartet, which was one of the leading ensembles of the time. His piano quartets were performed with the help of violinist Michael Haydn, brother of the famous composer Joseph Haydn, and other accomplished musicians.

Throughout his life, Mozart was known for his improvisational skills at the piano, and he often engaged in friendly musical duels with other pianists, such as Muzio Clementi. These impromptu performances showcased Mozart's incredible talent and ability to create complex and beautiful music on the spot.

In summary, Mozart played with a wide array of musicians throughout his life, ranging from his family members to the most celebrated performers and ensembles of his time. His collaborations were diverse, spanning from intimate chamber music to grand operatic productions, and they played a significant role in shaping his musical legacy.

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Leopold Mozart earned his living as a music teacher. He also played for the archbishop of Salzburg. Leopold soon knew he had a brilliant son. Wolfgang could play the harpsichord at the age of 3.read more >>