Bleron Samarxhiu
In The Letters of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, certain aspects of Mozart’s character are revealed, despite the fact that many know him as one of the world’s most famous composers of all time. His letters are not exceptionally long, but they are repetitive in describing these aspects and he is devoted to writing them, as today young adults are devoted to texting and social networking. His letters suggest that he has an amazing appeal for money, loves his wife dearly, and is a music critique. In addition, based on the letters, he only writes them to request something, to discuss his travels, or to describe how much he likes or dislikes something or someone.
Evidently, Mozart is talented, but he is also a critique of music, particularly opera. He claims that the German opera is at an eclipse and that the new opera house will be poorly built. Little did Mozart know that a few of his pieces would have success in that German opera. He then spits out disgust for German singers, and continues to spite anything German. In fact, in one of his last letters (263), he mentions how he believes Stadler is an ass, proving that the talented composer everyone knows has a sense of bias or arrogance in him. One of his later letters, he judges who deserves fame and who does not deserve it, but with the help of his knowledge of music and terms, he explains why.
Mozart also has a clever way on how to appeal to others for money. It appears that he has a formula to do so and that he is certainly not afraid of asking whatever he wants, whether it is money or orchestrated pieces. In this “formula,” he expresses his loyalty by writing phrases such as your most obedient son, servant, etc. or by writing how wonderful and supportive the patron is. Mozart also achieves this appeal by giving logical reasons to why he wants them or by combining excuses with promises that he can pay back the loan full along with interest. As he claims, he is forever indebt to his “true” friend, or “true” brother. It appears that he does not know the definition of friendship, and it is certainly not the begging of others for money, but nevertheless, Mozart actually has loyal friends. One of them in particular, O.B., continues to care and give him money, even allow Mozart to come uninvited to his home.
On the other hand, Mozart tends to be overdramatic or extremely emotional at certain points. Whether or not he does this in actual person is not clear. While trembling, “[he] longed to pour out my heart…but I had not the courage to do so” (237). Another example would be describing himself as an eternally grateful man whose “tears cannot complete the picture” (247). In other words, Mozart definitely is not afraid to release all his motions and opinions into a conversation in a letter. In his letters, Mozart mentions that it had been an “exceptional pleasure that [he] received [the] letter. When he further wants to emphasize, he uses the French language in his letter.
Everyone knows when separated, each partner in a couple miss each other. However, the situation with Mozart and his wife is different. Based on the number and content of the letters to his wife, Mozart seems obsessed with his wife, to the point at which he becomes nostalgic or out of his mind. He would not stop “sending” kisses in his letters; particularly in one where he sends 2099 ½ kisses. There are kisses and more kisses and eyes full of tears. Mozart also describes how he stares at the portrait of his wife sometimes.
In another perspective, Mozart is honest and caring, In one letter, he shows thankfulness for his blessings and in another he mentions how is always available as a loving brother to his sister. One of the main reasons he writes letters is to keep in touch with family, including his father, sister, and wife., and he hates it when he cannot keep in touch. Mozart feels bad not responding to letters, but he even admitted that he is so busy with his affairs that he does not have time for himself. He even admits that he is importune, when begging for money.
Of course Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart can brag sometimes, especially how he mentions his name contributes to the success of the concert. According to his constance, Mozart never got the successful position that he wanted in order and to support his family and to achieve his desired amount of success. This shows why he constantly makes requests: either for money, a position, or his future events and performances. These letters only depict a very limited aspect of Mozart’s character and life. His music depicts another aspect and at the same time, remains his legacy.
