Mozart’s musical genius is no secret and some of most his famous works include Don Giovanni, Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, and Requiem. Despite not having received much recognition during his life, Mozart was later recognized as of one of the greatest composers ever. It is the lack of recognition during his lifetime that, I believe, created the backbone of Mozart’s character. Though Mozart composed beautiful music, he was often overlooked and ignored, thus driving him to work harder, travel farther, and flatter others, often excessively, just to earn enough to survive. His character is exposed through some of the letters he wrote to his friends, wife, and potential employers.
A common theme in Mozart’s letter is the fact that he was destitute. Mozart was the ‘starving artist’ of his day. Though talented and able to create masterpieces, his letters suggest today that he was living hand to mouth, even though sometimes he was compensated for his efforts. On several occasions, Mozart pleaded to his friend, Puchberg, to lend him money. The letters to Puchberg show a person who reveled in excessive flattery and reassurances of honesty and noble character, despite his struggles. Though the relationship Mozart had with Puchberg – his “dearest, best of friends” — is not fully disclosed in the letters, I don’t believe such admiration was necessary to get a close friend to lend money. But, judging Mozart by the social norms and standards of the 18th century, he could be viewed as an honorable, honest, and polite individual.
Nonetheless, although Mozart’s excessive compliments obtained him funds from Puchberg on several occasions, it is suggested in the letters that he was never able to pay back (243). This invites the question whether Mozart was a man of his word or just a man struggling to make ends meet by any means. From the letters, it appears that Mozart had a calculated way of asking for money. First, he reminded Puchberg of their friendship and then he showered his friend with compliments while mentioning what an honorable and honest character Mozart was. Then, he would impress on Puchberg of what would happen if he didn’t lend him money, “I must abandon all hope of furthering my fortunes unless I can count on the help of a staunch friend.” (246) In light of Mozart’s multiple and insistent quests, Puchberg might not have had any other choice but to give in and lend money. Mozart’s obvious manipulation is not a remarkable trait of his morals but may be justifiable light of his dire circumstances. Myself, I see a man who brushed away his pride via excessive flattery to support himself and his family; just a step below an honorable act.
Mozart’s letters to his wife display another side of Mozart not expressed in the letters to Puchberg and potential employers. In the latter, Mozart seems almost on his knees begging and pleading for money or some form of work. The letters to his “dearest little wife” show the sweet, tender, and loving family man he was. Mozart expresses much love towards his wife and family by sending frequent letters rife with tender kisses and all the best wishes. Mozart is clearly worried about the health of his ill wife as well as her fidelity. He claims he does not care what else may go awry as long as she is “well and kind” to him (260).
One aspect of Mozart’s letter that confused me is his desire to earn money versus the love he has for his family. On one hand, he travels far from his family to maybe earn some money. On the other hand, he writes letters to his family from his travels claiming how much he misses them. Mozart expresses his own confusion on this matter, “the wish, the yearning to see you, to embrace you once more, struggles with the desire to bring home a large sum of money” (252). Mozart was a passionate man who worked hard and traveled far to earn some money. His dedication to music seemed to surpass dedication he had for his family, as he was often on the road away from them. Mozart’s greatest fault was missing out on his family while venturing to earn money but consequently leaving no money to his family when he passed.
