Maria Anna Mozart’s Odds Against Her Father and Brother

Are you the talented older sister of a younger, talented brother who is less talented because you’re female? You are not alone in history. Maria Anna Mozart, like her younger brother Wolfgang, showed a brilliant talent for the harpsichord, fortepiano, and composition. However, she couldn’t be the odds against her father and brother because she was a girl.

Maria Anna Mozart performed with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart from the age of 11 until 18 under the guidance of their father, Leopold Mozart. They performed throughout Europe for the royalty and aristocracy in Munich, Vienna, Paris, London, and The Hague. Letters and accounts from that time praised Maria Anna for her exceptional talent. As Wolfgang’s fame increased and he started composing, Leopold shifted Maria Anna’s role from soloist to accompanying and ensemble playing.

Around the age of 18, her father ended her touring, believing it was improper for a young woman to perform in public. Because her father and brother expected her to stay at home, she could not have professional ambitions. Leopold allowed her to teach music, but prohibited her from publishing her compositions or performing publicly. He disapproved of all romantic prospects. At age 32, he allowed her to marry a widower, fourteen years her senior, with five children. After marrying, the couple moved to St. Gilgen. Leopold kept Maria Anna’s son in Salzburg for several years, probably hoping to discover another prodigy.

Other talented sisters found themselves in the same place as Anna Maria. Fanny Mendelssohn, Felix Mendelssohn’s sister, composed over four hundred pieces, but could not publish under her own name because of her father’s views on women. Her brother published some under his name with her grudging consent. One year before her death, she began publishing under her married name, Fanny Hensel, because of her musical status and Felix’s relenting.

Both Maria Anna and Fanny Hensel fought against the odds to live up to their potential. Because they were female, what could have been a splendid career became a restricted career.