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 last decade of Leopold Mozart's life, he gave up composing music. His time focused more and more on the support and development of his children. It wasn't all hard work though, and on one occasion Leopold and Wolfgang went to a fancy dress party in Salzburg, where it was likely some of Leopold's music was performed, such as his Serenade in D major.

Leopold was now facing a lonely final few years. His wife Maria Anna had died in Paris, and both Wolfgang and Nannerl had left home and got married. Leopold no longer sought promotion at court, having been passed over a number of times. He did however continue to teach musicians at home, which included regular ensemble sessions, working on pieces like his own Trio Sonata in A major.

Leopold remained proud of his son's achievements, even if he didn't always approve of his behaviour. One contemporary account reports Leopold crying when he heard one of Wolfgang's Violin works. Leopold's own reputation was now becoming more and more eclipsed by his famous son; however, he remains an important early explorer in symphonic writing, such as his Symphony in D major D17. Show less