Musicians & Composers · 18th Century
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Last Words
“The taste of death is upon my lips... I feel something, that is not of this earth.”— Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, December 5, 1791
Who Was Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart?
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart composed over 600 works including 41 symphonies, 27 piano concertos, and operas including The Magic Flute and Don Giovanni. He was perhaps the greatest musical genius who ever lived.
The Final Moments
Mozart died at just 35, reportedly while working on his Requiem. The cause of his death remains disputed — theories range from rheumatic fever to kidney disease to poisoning by Salieri.
Are These Words Verified?
Multiple conflicting accounts exist from family members. Constanze's stories changed over time, and these dramatic words appear in some Victorian-era sources but lack contemporary documentation.
Sources
- firsthand Constanze Mozart accounts (contradictory)
- firsthand Sophie Haibel memoir
- academic Maynard Solomon biography
Legacy
Mozart's music remains the pinnacle of the Classical period. His death at 35 is considered one of the greatest tragedies in cultural history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s last words?
“The taste of death is upon my lips... I feel something, that is not of this earth.”
How did Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart die?
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart died on December 5, 1791 at the age of 35. Cause of death: Severe miliary fever (cause remains disputed).
Were Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s last words documented?
Multiple conflicting accounts exist from family members. Constanze's stories changed over time, and these dramatic words appear in some Victorian-era sources but lack contemporary documentation.