Lyric Music & More: 265th Birthday of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Today marks the 265th anniversary of the birth of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, one of the most prolific and influential composers in history. To celebrate the occasion, we bring you a lovely excerpt from Idomeneo. Though not as well known as The Marriage of Figaro or The Magic Flute, this opera is filled with gorgeous melodies that reach deep into the soul of each character. In this scene, the captive princess Ilia, portrayed by soprano Janai Brugger, thinks of her lover Idamante and asks the breezes to carry her love to him.

Plus, learn more about Mozart with 15 facts about the great composer, hear artists such as Bobby McFerrin, Julia Bullock, and Lawrence Brownlee talk about their experiences as classical musicians, test your knowledge of opera characters, and preview a new album from baritone Will Liverman.