Mozart
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the 18th-century musical prodigy hailed as the greatest composer in history, was revealed in this episode of *Evil Genius* as a complex, contradictory figure whose genius coexisted with deeply problematic traits. The podcast dismantles the myth of the flawless genius, exposing Mozart as a childish, financially irresponsible, and sexually explicit man-child whose life was marked by arrogance, paranoia, and a shocking sense of humor involving excrement and incestuous innuendo. Despite his reputation for divine musical talent—evidenced by his ability to transcribe complex choral music from memory and compose at lightning speed—Mozart’s personal life was chaotic: he moved 11 times due to debt, wrote begging letters, and was obsessed with bodily functions and taboo subjects. The episode explores how his legacy was shaped by both his monumental artistic output and the mythologizing of his death, including the infamous (and false) claim that he was poisoned by rival composer Antonio Salieri. The panel ultimately votes 'genius'—not because Mozart was virtuous, but because his artistry transcends his flaws, raising uncomfortable questions about whether we should excuse the behavior of geniuses simply because their work is transcendent.
Mozart composed a violin sonata between 11 PM and midnight, writing as 'a sow pissing'—a phrase that captures his effortless, prolific creativity.
He transcribed the complex Miserere from the Sistine Chapel after hearing it once, proving his memory and musical genius were real, not faked.
Mozart's final work, the Requiem Mass, was composed while he believed he was being poisoned, and he died at 35, leaving behind a legacy of 600+ works.
His letters contain explicit, scatological humor, including 'Shit in your bed with all your might' and 'Lick My Arse'—a title he gave a serious symphony.
Despite his financial recklessness and childish behavior, Mozart was in the top 5% of earners in his time, earning 10,000 florins annually (equivalent to $30k today).
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Premise: Evil or Genius?
Russell Kane introduces the show's format: taking a dead legend and revealing uncomfortable truths, then voting 'evil' or 'genius'. Today’s subject: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
Child Prodigy and Family Tour
Mozart’s early life: born in Salzburg in 1756, playing chords at age 3, composing at 5, touring Europe with his father and sister. His father prioritized his talent above all else.
The Tour and the Sacrifice
During a smallpox outbreak, Leopold moved Wolfgang and himself out of the lodgings, leaving his wife and daughter behind—demonstrating the child’s value over family.
Vienna and Independence
Mozart moved to Vienna at 25, rejecting court positions to go freelance—a radical move for the time. He composed his greatest works here, including The Marriage of Figaro and Don Giovanni.
Personal Life and Legacy
Mozart married Constanze Weber after pursuing her sister. He had six children, only two survived. He died at 35, possibly from poisoning, but likely from illness.
“It doesn't make you evil. But I worry that that's the problem is we keep saying that doesn't make you evil. And actually, we're allowing these geniuses to do awful things.”
“So he wrote this amazing work of genius and titled it Lick My Arse. Yeah. Maybe, again, it was just something for the gay clubs, you know?”
“On his deathbed, Mozart is reported to have said, 'Surely I've been given poison. I cannot let go of this thought.'”
Host
Guests
wolfgang amadeus mozart
person
leopold mozart
person
constanze mozart
person
antonio salieri
person
amadeus
media
sort your life out unpacked
media
emily in paris
other
rishi sunak
person
bbc sounds
other
dilly carter
person
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