Mozart's music has been loved and hated, but never forgotten. His music is everywhere, as elevator music and in cartoons. In recognition of his influence, ASU's School of Music will be celebrating his 250th birthday all year.
A small but dedicated crowd of about 15 students and faculty came out Friday afternoon for the opening of Mozart 250@ASU, the yearlong celebration of Mozart's life and music.
Alli Swain, a music therapy major, said she came to the viewing of the movie "Amadeus" because of her passion for Mozart.
"I love Mozart," she said. "I really love his operas. They are so complex and have so much substance to them."
Mozart 250@ASU will run throughout the academic year with about three or four events each month. The events will include movies, lectures, concerts and an exhibit featuring Mozart's work.
The highlight of the events will be Mozart's birthday celebration with all-day events throughout campus.
"The yearlong celebration planned by the School of Music will honor his genius and remind us all about the role of music in public life," said Robert Wills, dean of the College of Fine Arts.
Mozart is considered one of the most significant contributors to classical music.
"While no music is truly universal in its appeal, Mozart's music comes close," said Wayne Bailey, director of the School of Music. "We use it in the concert hall and on the opera stage, as a background for movies, cartoons and commercials.
"Mozart is generally considered to be one of the three or four most influential musicians to have ever lived, and it is hard to imagine any contemporary musician not having been influenced in some manner by his works," Bailey said.
This is the first time ASU will dedicate a particular day, Jan. 27, to honor a musician, according to Rob Spindler, a university archivist.
"ASU has often named days for specific causes or events, but most often days named in honor of individuals are made by presidential, gubernatorial or mayoral proclamations," said Spindler.
Mozart was born in Austria in the mid-18th century. He started performing at age 6 and composing at age 14. Mozart is most famous for his operas "The Marriage of Figaro," "Don Giovanni" and "The Magic Flute."
Not everyone is excited about celebrating Mozart's work.
"I hate Mozart," said Susan Jacob, a music education major, while dragging her cello across campus. "He doesn't write good music for cello. His music lacks creativity."
Love him or hate him, it's hard to deny that just about everybody knows who he is.
Well, maybe except business major Steven Gonzalez, who said, "He was a composer, right?"
Reach the reporter at ljiljana.ciric@asu.edu.
