Student Question
Why is Mozart nicknamed Wolferl?
Quick answer:
Mozart was nicknamed "Wolferl" as a child, deriving from his given name Wolfgangus, which was shortened to Wolfgang. This informal nickname was used by his family, paralleling the nickname "Nannerl" for his sister, Maria Anna. These affectionate diminutives reflect their close-knit family environment, where both siblings shared an early interest in music.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born and raised in Salzburg, Austria. At his birth, he was baptized with the name Joannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart. The name Wolfgangus was shortened to Wolfgang, and this was the name he went by primarily. The name "Wolfgangus" or "Wolfgang" came from a relative, who he was named for. The name "Wolfgang" means "running wolf."
The name Wolfgang was shortened to "Wolferl" when he was a child. This nickname was used by his family. A somewhat similar nickname was given to his sister, Maria Anna. Her family nickname was "Nannerl." She also went by this nickname in the home. It was when Mozart watched his sister play the piano that he began to become fascinated with the instrument. The two were very close.
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