Classical Music Datebook: July 30
Whether it’s 30 or 31 July, it’s the birthday of Maria Anna “Nannerl” Mozart, the older sister of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. “Nannerl”, as her family called her, and Wolfgang, were the only two of their parents’ seven children to survive. Their father, Leopold Mozart, encouraged his children’s musical talent.
From letters of Mozart to his sister, it’s apparent she wrote music, with his younger brother Wolfgang praising her compositions. Unfortunately, none of her work survives. When they were young, Wolfgang and Nannerl were very close—they made up a secret language and they invented a kingdom where they were king and queen. But as Nannerl grew older, she was expected to end her career and get married.
