| Abstract |
Mozart's adult life was an almost unbroken succession of artistic triumphs and personal disappointments. In this collection of excerpts from his letters to family and friends, and from his other writings and reported conversations, the thoughts and emotions of the great composer - through periods of joy and travail - are disclosed for the modern reader. In his own words, Mozart communicates his optimisms and anticipations, his recurrent hopes for a post with a fixed income and suitable prestige; his frequent discouragements when these hopes went unfulfilled an pecuniary difficulties best him; his unhappiness at Salzburg and his maltreatment at the hands of Archbishop Hieronymus; the circumstances of his love affair with Aloysia Weber, and his subsequent marriage to her older sister, Costanze. In all, the book contains 255 observations on such subjects as opera, musical pedagogics, love and friendship, religion and morals, other composers and performers, the value of hard work, self-respect and honor, travel, and other matters. A composite portrait of Mozart the man and artist takes shape as you read. You'll find him a man of strong attachments - devoted to his father, his wife, and his friends. You'll also discover his piety, pride, wit, and good nature, and see how his normal equanimity could be transformed into passionate extremes, as in his bitter comment upon the death of Voltaire, "that godless fellow and arch-rascal," and in his outrage after his ignominious treatment by the archbishop's high steward, Count Arco. The selections are annotated, giving dates and places of writing, indicating to whom the letter was addressed, amplifying the composer's remarks if necessary, and providing much miscellaneous information. In these personal messages and reflections music lovers have a unique opportunity to gain first-hand insight into Mozart's life and personality. |
