He was at the forefront of early symphonic writing and composed a great deal of music across many forms, but he's been largely overshadowed by the popularity of his own son; this week Donald Macleod with Professor Cliff Eisen, explores the life and music of Leopold Mozart.

In the 1740s, Leopold Mozart gained his first position at the Court of the Prince Archbishop of Salzburg. This was an unpaid position to begin with, and it was difficult to rise up the ranks at Court. Leopold went on to write much music for the court orchestra, in particular for those musicians he particularly admired, including two horn players. It is probable that his Concerto in E flat for two horns and strings was composed with these colleagues in mind.

During this early period in Salzburg, Leopold met Maria Anna Pertl. It was only when Leopold became more financially secure that they were eventually able to marry, in 1747, at Salzburg Cathedral. Show less