Franz Xaver Süssmayr studied under Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart after moving to Vienna in the late 1780s. Having first been a pupil of Antonio Salieri, he later began formal study with Mozart, becoming both his student and close associate. Their relationship deepened to the point that Süssmayr lived for an entire year in the home of Mozart and his wife Constanze as a full member of the household.
During his period of study under Mozart, Süssmayr assisted him professionally, working as a copyist on the operas La clemenza di Tito and The Magic Flute in 1791. Mozart also entrusted him with discussions regarding the progress of the Requiem, and after Mozart’s death in December 1791, Süssmayr—honoring the composer’s final request and the wishes of his widow—completed the Requiem, which has since become the traditionally performed version.
