The Official Weblog of Wolfgang Amadè Mozart

A Busy Season, as Ever

2009-12-22T08:41:00.002+01:00

It is not a season for indolence if you are a musician! The Christmas season here in Vienna has always been a particularly challenging one for me, but the Punsch stands, street musicians, and even the snowy weather fortify me as I run from lesson to recital to dinner party to cafe. How I love this time of year!

Frohe Weihnachten!

2009-12-18T04:38:00.000+01:00

While dashing thither and yon about the city during this busy Holiday season, I have chided myself most stringently for not writing to you, my good and patient readers. You will not begrudge your old friend for not carving out the time to leave an entry these several weeks I pray, for you see, a man must put bread on his table, as well as provide a place for that table to indeed sit!

This simple card will, I hope, remind you that you are ever in my mind regardless of what I am doing. I send you my warmest and most heartfelt wishes and prayers for a blessed and happy Christmas and the jolliest of New Years.

I am ever your friend,
Wolfg. Mozart

Photograph of My Wife?

2009-11-12T05:39:00.001+01:00

Dear Sir,

I have been scouring your fabulous blog, and correct me if I have missed it, but there is a rumor that your wife has a photograph of her, circulating about the internet. What do you know about it?

Merci,
Lauren

Mademoiselle!

You may be referring to the following likeness. I, however cannot attest to its authenticity, for by that I time I was... away!

Your servant,

WAM

I Have Achieved the Top 100

2009-11-10T18:30:00.000+01:00

I have only just learned that this weblog has received the singular honor of being named one of the 100 Best Blogs for the Literati. Truly, I could not be happier. Please pay them a visit and peruse the other blogs and sites on the list.

The Amadeus Award: Enfilade

2009-11-09T07:02:00.003+01:00

I am honoured to bestow this award to Enfilade, a "serial newsletter for the Historians of Eighteenth-Century Art & Architecture".

This is an excellent weblog and is a vast store of information and knowledge. Please pay a visit!

The Adelaide Concerto

2009-11-03T21:01:00.005+01:00

Dear Mr. Mozart,

I would be most interested to hear your views about the composition described as your Adelaide Concerto.

Yours most sincerely
Twaklin of Adelaide

P.S. I adore your music and have begun a correspondence with other admirers of your work. A published volume is at Mozarty.

Dear Twalkin,

That someone penned a piece and passed it off as something of mine is really rather amusing. In my experience, it has always been the other way around. I once lent my hand on a symphony by Michael Haydn (brother of Franz Joseph) when he was ill. It pleased me no end to know that Archbishop Colloredo, indeed the entire town applauded something, not knowing it was partly by me, their detested prodigal!

Although this concerto is a good piece, it contains a few places where I feel like kicking it into motion; some of it is a little too pedantic for my taste. I hope the Casadesus brothers enjoyed themselves turning out hoaxes like this one.

Ihr Freund in der Musik,
Wolfg. Mozart

P.S. I have added your blog to my list in the left sidebar.

Let's Have Some Fun

2009-10-31T20:23:00.001+01:00

I have created a new poll for your amusement. Please feel free to lodge your answer and I will post the results after it closes on New Year's Eve.

WAM

Zaide

2009-10-31T20:09:00.003+01:00

Hello Maestro Mozart!

I really enjoy your blog! I was wondering why you didn't finish the opera, Zaide? I enjoy all of your genre of work, and I think that the aria Ruhe sanft was really beautiful! Did something get in the way of finishing Zaide?

Tamara

Dear Tamara,

I began work on Zaide in Salzburg, in 1780. Emperor Joseph II was in the process of establishing his German Company, and I thought that I might curry his favor if I composed something in our native language. I was summoned to Munich, however, to compose Idomeneo for the Carnival season, and Zaide had to be abandoned.

Immediately after, I was called to Vienna, where I received a commission for a comedy Singspieler for the German Company. I selected a libretto by Bretzner, Die Entführung aus dem Serail. The story was not all that different from Zaide and, hiring Stephanie to make some adaptations, I completed the piece, which was performed to great success, thus establishing my reputation in Vienna as a superior composer.

Because the original title of Zaide was Das Serail, it is easy to see how it developed beyond my original concept.

I am pleased that you enjoy my blog and I remain,
Your Friend in Music,
W.A. Mozart

The Harpsichord

2009-10-19T20:48:00.001+02:00

Dear Wolfgang -

I know that the piano is your main instrument but do you still occasionally play the harpsichord? (I'm listening to a CD of harpsichord music and this question came about as a result.)

Best wishes,
Kathy

Dear Kathy,

These days, I try very hard not to be anywhere near a harpsichord; since ongoing advancements of the fortepiano took hold, there is no reason for me to be. This is not to say that I do not value it as an instrument, it is just that it sounds so terribly old-fashioned and it longer appeals to me due to its limitations in sonority and voices. I suppose that there must be some quaint nostalgia where modern ears are concerned, but to my own, it is the sound of my youth and, because I am a forward-thinking man, I prefer to keep up with the new and innovative designs of the fortepiano.

Your Friend,
Wolfg.

I Attend the Ball at Willow Manor

2009-10-13T09:16:00.003+02:00

What a glorious evening I had at the 2nd Annual Willow Manor Ball! I confess that I arrived a little late, due to the extra care Primus gave to they styling of my peruke, but it did not seem to matter, for guests came and went at leisure until the small hours of the morning. How does Her Ladyship manage to keep that much champagne available, I wonder. Here are some pictures for your amusement (pray, take no note of indiscrepancies, this is all in good fun according to Her Ladyship's edict):

Was this not a fine way to arrive?

Immediately I entered the manor, a glass of fine champagne

was placed in my hand. I think my charming Hostess

knows my predilections all too well!

I danced a flirtatious minuet

with the lovely Lynette...

...took a brief rest to speak with my Sister...

...was quite overwhelmed when La Storace sang for me...

...entertained the company from Her Ladyship's excellent fortepiano...

...committed a little innocent horseplay...

...joined some other musicians for a portrait...

...and then settled into a friendly game of cards... or several.

I must confess that I do not remember returning home, but when I awoke in my wing chair, my face was covered with lip rouge kiss-marks and a note was pinned to my jacket. It read:

"Please see that Herr Mozart makes it home safe and sound,
and in one piece. He has been a naughty boy, but then,
we expected no less of him! Bravo, Maestrino!"

I almost forgot to add that the guest I enjoyed meeting most was none other than...

I Have Been Invited to a Ball

2009-10-06T20:59:00.002+02:00

My dear friend, who is known to her public only as "Willow" will soon be holding her Second Annual Willow Manor Bal l on the 13th of this month at, of course, Willow Manor. I attended last year and had such a wonderful time that I marked this year's date on my calender in advance.

Her Ladyship always has the best musicians, the finest food and drink, and the most charming and noted guests; the gowns and suits alone are worth going! One can expect to see many celebrities from all times in history dancing, conversing, and who knows what else! I fully intend to ask a number of celebrated beauties to a turn around the dance floor and, hopefully, to sit out a few so that I may entertain the company from the musicians' loft. I can always count on Her Ladyship to have the latest and best pianoforte at my disposal,

Any period of dress is welcome, but I think that I shall stick to my own and wear the following suit. Being now in the later part of the year, the dark color is entirely appropriate.

What do you think?

I hope that you will visit her site and treat yourself to the event of the year!

Of Course, I Now Must Have One

2009-09-28T20:13:00.001+02:00

Yesterday I attended a recital which purpose was to introduce Anton Walter's latest creation, an updated fortepiano that now renders my beloved 1780 model obsolete. Due to a slightly expanded keyboard and a walnut case, the sound is larger and the colors more resonant. The lowest register sounds like a great storm when played fortissimo!

The pianist's execution was not without its flaws, but no one was there to see him anyway--it was really the instrument that everyone came to hear. He played two sonatas by my old friend, Haydn, and a sonata by a new, young composer whom I predict will make a name for himself in a few years. Imagine my surprise when the second half of the recital opened with my Nine Variations on a Minuet of Duport! The Haydn pieces were charming. I remember him playing his Sonata in C-sharp Minor for me a few years ago, but I'd hadn't heard the newer piece, a Fantasia/Capriccio in C Major. Delightful!

And now I must close so that I can figure out how, exactly, to break the news of this instrument to my money lender.

Addio!

On the Subject of My Sister

2009-09-11T09:23:00.003+02:00

Dear Amadéo,

You have probably heard people thank you a lot of times for your music. Majestic, sometimes light and breezy, depending on the song. You take the simplest melody and turn it into a huge masterpiece.

When you were child and went on tours with your sister, was it you who got the most attention? Did Nannerl possess the great talent as you? Is it true that your father denied her the attention he gave you, despite her talent and wish to become great like you? Perhaps she wasn't as interested as you, or it wasn't as suitable for a girl as a boy to become a great composer in your time. I would like learn more about your sister, how she behaved when you, how should I put it, were favored? Was she happy for your sake, or secretly jealous?

Your admirer forever
Beatrice

Dear Beatrice,

First of all, thank you for the multitude of compliments with which you have so generously lavished me. I strive only to compose the best music that I know how. That it pleases you makes me a happy man indeed.

My sister was very talented, gifted even, but she did not apply herself to music as assiduously as did I. She was not "bitten by the bug", you see, and did not possess the ambition that I did when we were young.

Despite the fact that few 18th century women composers are celebrated today, there were many, in fact. Unfortunately, the world still seems to pay more attention to men. Nannerl could have been an accomplished composer, taking her place alongside Marianne von Martinez, Maria Theresia von Paradis, and Anna Amalia, Princess of Prussia.

While it is true that our father focused his attention on me after a certain point in our lives, his doing so was not solely because I was "more important" as a male, but because Nannerl did not wish to take her career any farther; Nannerl did not like to travel. If my sister ever felt feelings of jealousy, she never visited them upon me. If you are interested in finding out more about Nannerl, there are a number of books about her, a fine one being "Mozart's Sister" by Rita Charbonnier. You will find a link to her website in my left-hand sidebar.

Again, I send you thanks and I am pleased to remain
Your friend in music,
Wolfgang Am. Mzt

My Longest Orchestral Piece

2009-08-12T08:15:00.002+02:00

Dear Mozart,

What is the longest orchestral piece you've written, outside of your symphonies?
Sincerely,

D. Watts

My very dear Mr. Watts!

I regret that it has taken me this long to respond to your letter. I have been unusually busy this summer and have only this week found the time to catch up on my correspondence.

Accompanied by a March in D Major (K.249), my "Haffner" Serenade is my longest orchestral piece, its duration being about an hour and 10 minutes. It has eight movements, including two andantes, one rondo (although the second andante is in rondo form), three minuets, an opening, and finale. Moreover, the second through the fourth movements form a miniature violin concerto. It is scored for pairs of flutes, oboes, bassoons, trumpets, horns, timpani, and strings.

I pray this answers your question and I remain
Your humble and obedient servant,
WAM

A Prodigious Starling

2009-07-10T08:10:00.002+02:00

I am pleased to introduce you to Poppy, a starling much like my own Herr Starl, but with a singularly interesting life story. Recently, I received a letter from Poppy's "mother", Lisa, who is a great admirer of my work -- so much so that she has taught Poppy to whistle Eine kleine Nachtmusik. Astounding! You can hear it for yourself below. Poppy also has his own website. Please pay him a visit to read the story of his miraculous rescue and to find out more about his talent.

Letter From a Brother to a Sister

2009-07-06T21:25:00.008+02:00

Ma très chère Sœur!

I am very glad that the ribbons were to your taste. I will find out the price of the ribbons, both the painted and the unpainted. At present I do not know it, since Frau von Auerhammer, who had the kindness to procure them for me, refused to take any payment, but begged me to give you all possible civil messages from her, unacquainted though you are, and to say that she would be bery glad at any time to be able to do you any favour. Dearest Sister! I recently wrote in a letter to our dear father that if you would like anything from Vienna, be it what it might, it would be a real pleasure to me to serve you. I now repeat it, with the addition that I should be very grieved if I heard that you had given your commissions to anyone else in Vienna.

I am heartily glad that you are well. I, too, thank God, am well and happy. My sole entertainment is the theatre. I wish you could see a tragedy acted here! I do not know any theatre where all kinds of plays are really well performed; but here every role, even the least, is well cast and understudied.

I should very much like to know how things are going between you and a certain good friend you wrote of? Do write to me about it! Or have I lost your confidence in this matter? In any case, pray write to me often, when you have nothing better to do, be it understood, for I shall be glad of news sometimes, and you are the living protocol of Salzburg, for you write down everything that occurs, and so to please me you might write it down a second time! But you must not be angry if, from time to time, I leave you long without an answer.

As regards something new for the Klavier, I may tell you that I am about to lave four sonatas engraved. Those in C and B flat are among them, and the other two are only new. Then I have written three arias with variations which I could send you, of course, but I think it is hardly worth the trouble, and would rather wait till I have more.

I suppose the Marksmen's Club dinner will soon be held. I beg you solemniter to drink the health of a true marksman! Should the talk turn on me, write to me of it and I will have a target painted!

Now fare you well, dearest, best of sisters, and be assured that I shall ever remain

Your true friend and brother,

Wolfgang Amadé Mozart

__________________________

The paintings were made by my excellent friend, Henryette Weijmar Schultz. Please be sure to visit her online gallery!

The Amadeus Award for Taste & Excellence

2009-07-05T09:37:00.000+02:00

The Amadeus Award for Taste & Excellence has been around since 1998 and was awarded to many websites before the advent of the weblog. It was my intent to give it to sites that were dedicated to the 18th century and which demonstrated through their content and appearance the style and grace of that period in history. For this reason, I did not give it thoughtlessly or without consideration, and did not, until now, allow anyone other than myself to bequeath it. Times change, however, and with the phenomenon of the the weblog community, I am happy to change my stance.

The Amadeus Award for Taste and Excellence is to be given to five blogs that meet the qualifications which I have previously stated. Please give it in the spirit of community, love of history, and artful presentation.

I happily and proudly present my award to the following five weblogs (in no particular order):

Tempus Fugit
Herr Doktor never fails to captivate me with his journal entries about life as a field physician in the wilds of America.
The Celebrated Mrs. Wolfington
Mrs. Wolfington is a charming lady whose posts not only educate, but entertain. Spending time on her blog reminds me of the pleasant afternoons I spend taking chocolate with the gentlewomen patronesses of Vienna.
History Undressed
Well, what can one say? This blog is always stimulating and delightful!
18th Century Cuisine
As a man who enjoys spending pleasant hours at table, this blog is irresistable!
Swillvill's 18th Century
Although I have only just discovered this blog, it has quickly become one of my favorites for its grace and gentility. This young man is very, very talented.

This is the old award. Please feel free to use whichever pleases you most.

Yet Another Busy Weekend

2009-06-28T21:30:00.003+02:00

On Friday afternoon, my business in town concluded, I set out for the Emperor's summer estate in Laxenburg, where the court musicians are invited each year. Although they still have to perform for His Majesty and his guests, the mood is lighter than it is at the Hofburg and there is more free time to spend in the casino and the pleasure gardens. Not being invited this time, I took it upon myself to make my presence known, which resulted in absolutely nothing. I was completely overlooked by the Emperor. Can you imagine?

I returned to Vienna in a foul humor and began to prepare for the in-home musicale I'd scheduled that very evening. I was not disappointed, for the true connoisseurs of good music, that is to say my friends and colleagues, arrived with their various instruments and bottles of wine and we set ourselves to having a better time that the snobs at the palace could have in several summers. Basta!

Encore l'estate!

2009-06-24T21:45:00.012+02:00

When one finds oneself suddenly engaged in unexpected travel, whether for business or pleasure, it is always nice to bring something from home. So far, this summer is proving to be a busy one for me. Since removing myself to Vienna in 1781, I have usually spent the warmer months in delightful indolence - people watching from sidewalk tables while sipping iced champagne, or staying within the cool faux marble walls of my music room.

Already, I have been to Linz on an unexpected invitation extended to me by Count Thun-Hohenstein (the Father-in-law of my dear friend Countess Wilhelmina von Thun who lives in Vienna), who has in his employ an excellent chamber orchestra. He desired that his Summer guests should hear the symphony I composed for him in 1783 and sent his personal coach-and-four to fetch me. Within its luxurious and well-padded walls and seats, I was treated to every amenity that one can imagine: cold meats, wine, artesian water, cakes, and even cloths stored in a crock of cool water to wash away the heat and dust of the road.

I took very little with me, only my usual music accoutrement, the score of the symphony of course, one small trunk of clothing and personal items, my small en route, and my portable clavier. My father bought this little treasure from Andreas Stein in Augsburg while we were on tour in 1762 and it works quite nicely for composition when I am placed in the unfortunate circumstance of not having a keyboard placed in my room for my convenience. One never knows what one will or will not be afforded when one is a guest in a patron's home.

Tomorrow afternoon I am to leave for two days at Laxenburg, where, hopefully, I will accompany some of the Court singers in the Emperor's regular après dîner recitals. I have not been formally invited by His Majesty, but as I have been every year before, I think that once he knows I am near to hand, he will extend that invitation. If not, then I shall spend my evenings in the casino.

A happy and cool early weekend to you all!

First Picnic of the Season

2009-06-07T09:42:00.003+02:00

On Friday morning I received an invitation to attend a picnic at Baroness von Waldstätten's estate in Klosterneuburg, a few miles up the Danube from the city (please click the picture to enlarge it). Unbeknonst to me, Her Ladyship had expected me to stay the entire weekend, along with her other guests Mlle. Storace and Mr. Ochelli (snai!), which expectation I was only too happy to fulfill, due to the jolly atmosphere the company had already created prior to my arrival. I regret that I was late, however, due to engagements that could not be broken without serious repercussions. After a princely meal, we retired to the music salon, where I accompanied both Michael and Nancy (Mlle. Storace), and where I improvised at the fortepiano for a time, performing some of the old "monkey tricks" from my childhood concerts across the continent.

The next day we were driven to a lovely spot on the estate, where we were served the most delicious picnic feast I have ever known, including pears picked right from the tree and, of course, plenty of berry champagne. Because I'd had the foresight to bring my violin with me, I played a few airs as Nancy sang along on a couple of them. What a grand time we had playing games of cards and Blind Man's Bluff! The Baroness read to us then, and we napped as though we were her children. Truly, it was quite humorous! Later that evening, in the music salon, we danced as a quartet from the village played for us. It was a quiet evening and we retired rather early.

I was the first to leave this morning, having correspondence to catch up on. Even now, I am dashing this off so that I may get to my labors. What a charming weekend it was!

Poll Results

2009-06-04T18:33:00.004+02:00

My most recent poll has closed and the results are in. The question was, "What would like me to compose next?" and you had to choose between a number of musical forms. I must say that you, my friends and readers did not let me down; there was a tie between a new opera and a bawdy drinking song. Below are the actual numbers:

Keyboard piece : 1 vote - (2%)
Symphony: 0 votes - (0%)
Concerto: 3 votes - (8%)
Lied: 1 vote - (2%)
Aria: 1 vote - (2%)
Concert Aria: 0 votes - (0%)
Opera: 8 votes - (21%)
Sacred piece: 3 votes (8%)
Bawdy drinking song: 8 votes - (21%)

I have created another poll, which you will find in the left sidebar. Amuse yourself by taking part!

A Voyage!

2009-06-03T21:27:00.006+02:00

Most Honorable Sirs and Brothers!

I am much at fault, I must confess, for not having at once acknowledged the safe receipt of your letter of last March. I should have answered it as I am doing now, but the matter you have broached is one that one naturally must give considerable thought. Men of so much insight and experience as yourselves will know better than I that your proposal, however carefully and attentively read, needs reading though not only once, but many times. Hitherto I have not had the time to read it through even once without interruption until last evening!

The notion of making a journey to the Americas has set my mind fairly spinning. It is a serious undertaking, and I trust that you understand that I needed to make my decision soberly and with serious thought. Therefore, as you, my Brothers, have guaranteed that all of my travel expenses will be paid, that I shall not lack opportunities to improve my situation while abroad, and that I shall find men of like mind everywhere I go, how can I refuse your gracious invitation?

It is, of course, too late to get my affairs in order so that I may make the long overland and ocean voyage this summer; if you will be patient just a little longer, I shall plan to leave Vienna next March. This means that I shall arrive there in early June, a year from now.

Please find in this packet the signed agreement. I should also like to know my itinerary in advance, if possible, and humbly ask you to send that information at your convenience.

I remain, with deepest respect, most Honorable Brothers,
Your most obedient servant and brother,

Wolfgang Amadé Mozart, 3rd°

Mrs. Storace's Stew

2009-05-24T19:48:00.005+02:00

I passed a very pleasant evening at the Storace apartment last night. Invited for dinner, I was treated to several helpings of what Mrs. Storace (Nancy's Mamma) assured me was traditional English fare, lamb stew. As a way of complimenting the cook, as well as thanking her for an excellent meal, I sat down to the spinet and improvised this little tune. I regret that you cannot actually hear it; the words will have to suffice.

When invited to supper
in a home in the upper
Aldstadt district of Wien,
You may need to utter,
"Please pardon my splutter'
'Tis but the cabbage that's mean!"

Its gas will escape you,
Bloat and o'ertake you,
More than the faithful brown bean;
When the stew's had its way,
You need only to say,
"Please take no heed of the steam!"

WAM

"That" Movie, Amadeus

2009-05-19T13:31:00.005+02:00

Herr Mozart,

I wonder, have you seen the film Amadeus, which was made in 1984? My father loved your music, and we went to the cinema to see it. Were he alive today, he would enjoy your weblog very much. If you have seen the film, what did you think of it? If not, perhaps you can use your Magic Box to download the film and then you could share your thoughts.

Your friend,
H.F.

Meine Damme,

Of course I have seen Amadeus--I would have to live under a rock not to have. I used to be asked this question a great deal when I was first introduced to this internet world, but in recent years not so much.

Your question first demands a little elucidation on the matter of the story itself. As I understand it, neither the writer nor the filmmaker had any desire to tell my life story, therefore, I am able to look beyond the obvious liberties that were taken where the truth is concerned. These accomplished gentlemen set out to tell a story about genius and envy. Mr. Schaffer himself said in an interview that he could have chosen any number of people to use as his subjects, but because he is a great appreciator of my work, he chose me. The selection of Salieri as the antagonist was based solely on the Rimsky-Korsakov opera, 'Mozart and Salieri', a tale that has no basis in the truth whatsoever.

As a man of the theater myself, I enjoy the use of creative license and I am especially drawn to theater pieces that make me think more deeply about what it is that makes us as human beings tick. On a lighter note, I adore well-written farce, so I can tell you that, for what it was meant to be, I like Amadeus. It is too bad, however, that so many people have elected to swallow it as being the truth instead of reading an actual biography and learning for themselves. Still, it brought nearly an entire generation of young people to pay attention to good music for the first time in their lives. I am honored to have been a small part of that.

In der Freundschaft,
Mozart

Inns and Lodgings

2009-04-16T06:39:00.005+02:00

Dear Herr Mozart,

Do you remember a place in Innsbruck where you stayed with your father in December 1769? My family and I stayed there and learned from the innkeeper about your visit to Hotel Weisses Kreuz! We wondered if you enjoyed it there.

Where is your favorite place?

Sincerely,
Holly "Fantastic" Forrest
Your Newest Follower

Dear Holly Fantastic!

I only wish that I could remember all of the inns in which I have stayed. No, come to think of it, I am actually quite relieved that I cannot! I do remember Innsbruck, however, because it was one of the few that was clean and free of fleas, and also because the food was good. If I recall correctly, we stayed there a couple of times.

I assume that by my "favorite place" you mean my favorite temporary lodging?

I especially enjoyed staying at Villa Pallavicini, just outside of Bologna in 1770, when I was 14 years of age. My father and I were guests of Count Pallavicini and his family. Because my father was laid up with an injury from a traveling accident, he could not keep an eye on me and I was free to do things I'd never been allowed to do before. The Count's son and I took donkey rides, explored the countryside, poked at snakes with sticks, threw stones, and ate watermelon, spitting the seeds at clay pots in contests against each other.

It was a beautiful villa (I understand that it still exists in your century) and definitely my favorite temporary lodging during my young travels.

Your Friend,
Wolfg. Mozart