Mozart & Prague

Here Mozart conducted the world premiere of Don Giovanni!

On 29 October 1787, an extraordinary event took place at the Nostitz Theatre in Prague, today known as the Estates Theatre.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart personally conducted the world premiere of his opera Don Giovanni.

It was a remarkable success. Prague, which had already embraced The Marriage of Figaro, once again demonstrated its enthusiasm for Mozart.

Even more remarkably, the historic theatre has survived and continues to host performances today.

Imagine standing where the first audience ever to hear Don Giovanni once sat.

Now listen to the overture, right beside the theatre where the opera had its world premiere.

Two geniuses. Two open windows. And Don Giovanni takes shape.

In autumn 1787, Mozart came to Prague to complete his new opera and prepare for its premiere.

He stayed at the House at the Three Golden Lions on Uhelný trh, close to the theatre.

Across the street lived his librettist, Lorenzo Da Ponte.

According to an old Prague tradition, the two men even communicated through their open windows.

Da Ponte revised his verses while Mozart composed the music. Together they worked on one of the most celebrated operas of all time.

Picture the scene: two houses facing one another, two open windows and a masterpiece coming to life.

A memorial plaque and a portrait relief on the façade still recall Mozart's stay.

How many passers-by notice them? You will know their story.

How do you make Mozart write a promised aria? Lock him in a garden pavilion!

In the Prague district of Smíchov stands Bertramka, the former summer residence of Mozart’s friends, the Dušeks.

František Xaver Dušek was an accomplished musician, and his wife Josefína a celebrated singer.

Bertramka is associated with one of the most charming Mozart legends.

The story goes that Josefína grew tired of waiting for an aria Mozart had promised her. She supposedly locked him in a garden pavilion and refused to let him out until the music was finished.

Mozart composed Bella mia fiamma, addio and, according to the story, filled it with such difficult vocal passages that he took a playful musical revenge.

Listen to the aria and discover the remarkable challenge Mozart set for his friend.

Seen Amadeus? Then you have already seen part of Prague.

Eight Academy Awards, unforgettable music and one of Miloš Forman's greatest films.

But did you know that much of Amadeus was filmed in Prague?

The Estates Theatre once again became an opera house of Mozart’s time. Hradčany Square and the Archbishop’s Palace stood in for imperial Vienna.

In the Church of St Giles, the film’s Mozart married Constanze. Other Prague streets and palaces provided the backdrop for this remarkable story.

Prague helped bring Mozart's music to millions of filmgoers around the world.

Many of these locations can still be visited today.

Walk through the places you recognise from the screen. Discover the real Prague of Mozart.