Mozart arrived in Vienna having walked out of Salzburg and with the disapproval of his father, which turned out to be a risk both professionally and personally. Yet during the years 1781-1791 he composed some of his most innovative and inspired music. His three da Ponte operas as well as the Magic Flute appeared, as did his last five symphonies, his six quartets dedicated to Haydn and his last string quintets. Most of his piano concerti date from the Viennese years. This course aims to explore Mozart’s musical development and set it against the cultural and political life of Vienna under Joseph II. The course will included some investigation of less well-known works as well as such works as the Marriage of Figaro, the C minor piano concerto, the Dissonance Quartet and the Requiem.