The Official Weblog of Wolfgang Amadè Mozart

It is My Name Day!

2010-10-31T20:25:00.000+01:00

Through my journeys in your modern world of the internet, I have come to understand that this is a special day in many places of the world. What fun! I have always adored dressing in costume, so I have decided that the party that I am hosting this evening to celebrate my Name Day (which is today!) should be a costume party. This is me in my Capt. Fracasso costume. Dashing, indeed!

Have a delightful time, however you intend to spend this day!

Too Much in His Cups

2010-10-10T02:02:00.002+02:00

There he goes again, raving on about some silly thing or another. Like the braying ass he is, my pupil, Süssmayr, due to his youthful age, possesses a proclivity for running off a bit at the mouth whenever I deign to take him with me to one of Count von Buzzovich's excellent Soirees for a club we call the Society of the Gentlemen of the Punch Bowl.

In this picture you see him standing upon his chair, pontificating about the depravity of the Emperor's hares, the toxicity of tallow, or some such nonsense. I wouldn't really know because, as you may also see (if you enlarge the picture and look very carefully) that I was very wisely resting my eyes (and ears) at the time.

If any of my fellow GPBs would like to identify themselves, they are most heartily welcome to do so. Meantime, I apologize for my young pupil's inability to hold his punch as it were. I shall not bring him with me again.

I Return!

2010-09-01T20:18:00.007+02:00

From the contents of your very kind and concerned letters I have come to realize that some of you would like to see me return to posting on a regular basis, and this I am most happy to do although I cannot be certain of what 'regular basis' means at present. Some of you have even expressed that you have missed me. How this humbles and moves me I cannot express in words, my dear friends.

If you would like to know how I have occupied my time this summer, you need only to look at this sketch. The chairs of my favorite cafes, that is, the sidewalk cafe in the Graben, the Ungarische Krone, and the Milano, have seen far too much of my hinterparts this Summer, a luxury that will give way to much work within four walls soon enough. For at least two more weeks you may find me in one of the establishments I mention.

I remain your Friend
through Sick and Sin,
Wolfg, Mzt.

Pulled in Too Many Directions

2010-04-05T19:46:00.000+02:00

Dearest, most Beloved Friends! Over the past weeks I have spent many long hours in thought and have come to the difficult decision to suspend this weblog. For how long I cannot say. I am increasingly pulled in so many different directions that I often do not know in what direction I am actually going! The weblog will remain, and you are welcome to avail yourself of its features. Perhaps, soon, I will regain what it takes to maintain an online presence, but for now, I simply cannot continue.

In Friendship and Love,
Wolfgang A. Mozart

A Letter and a Provocative Enclosure

2010-02-23T21:14:00.002+01:00

Dear Readers!

I have only just received the following letter from my excellent friend, Dr. Roberts. I am excited about this not only because he sent me a particular product that I requested of him (being a doctor), but because it is my very first letter from Amerika! (Click to enlarge for better ease of reading)

I have not included a picture of the product (which may inadvertently cause my more delicate readers some discomfiture) but you may see one on the good Doctor's site.

Apropos of other matters, I have been as busy as I can be--Carnival is always thus--and I regret that I have not had more time to update this blog. I pray your patience and I hope to do better in future!

How Amusing!

2010-02-02T11:02:00.000+01:00

Add One More Note on the Score of My Life

2010-01-27T11:41:00.000+01:00

Really?

Today?

So soon?

Already?

A year?

Shocking!

Unbelievable!

Surely not!

Cannot be!

It's not possible!

I'm humbled!

Grateful!

Excited!

Thank you!

I bow!

Happy Birthday Herr Doktor!

2010-01-04T11:33:00.002+01:00

There are many things that a Gentleman of

your caliber could do on his Birthday...

You might, for instance, enjoy your favorite Coffeehouse,

or you could relax over a pleasant game of Boules.

If that's too tame, you could have a big Party,

or even go to a Brothel!

If that prospect disturbs your noble sensibilities, you could hear a Sermon,

or attend a right proper Picnic.

You could dance a Jig,

then drink with Friends...

at a bawdy Tavern,

(ach du lieber!)

which could land you in a Duel.

You could go gambling,

or take up an Instrument,

but however you elect to spend the Day,

I shall be there with you, if only in Spirit, goading you on!

The good Doctor's Birthday is on this coming Saturday.

Do pay him a visit and give him your compliments!

Need I Elucidate?

2010-01-01T20:52:00.000+01:00

To All My Wonderful Friends

2009-12-31T19:36:00.000+01:00

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.