18th Century newspaper reports about Mozart’s visit to London in 1765

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in Salzburg on 27 January 1756.

So to celebrate Mozart’s birthday, here are some wonderful descriptions (taken from a fascinating 2-page account, published in a newspaper in 1771) of Mozart’s famous visit to London in 1765.

When not astonishing his audience with his virtuosity and composing skills, it seems the genius galloped about the room pretending he was riding a horse. Well, he was only eight!

Oxford Journal – Saturday 23 February 1765

Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000073/17650223/014/0003

Caledonian Mercury – Wednesday 11 September 1771

Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/BL/0000045/17710911/003/0001