Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is a world renown musical genius. All recognize his name and music, some even worship him, but only few truly knew him. His life left a musical legacy that will remain until the end of time, but it is his hand written letters to friends, family and the distinguished that give us a glance into the real life of the man behind the music; the real Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
To people of high standing he would scribe letters of utter respect and reverence. Those addressed to Professor Anton Klein, Sebastian Winter, Royal Groom-of-the-Chambers, the Municipal Council of Vienna and alike, were formal letters in which Mozart strived to remain constrained and reserved, often signing “Your most obedient servant”(229) or “Your sincere friend and servant.” (230) However, his language remained incredibly expressive and exuberant, “…to whom I beg you will say, in my name, that I lay myself at his feet and thank him most humbly for the present he has sent me” (229). Within his letters to those powerful and influential, Mozart strove to broaden his musical audience and admirers. He also wrote in search of support with regards to yearly contracts and commissions, asking “If his Highness would be so gracious as to commission me, year by year, with a certain number of symphonies, quartets, concertos for different instruments or other pieces according to choice, and if he would be pleased to endow me with a fixed yearly salary” (230) in order to secure himself a fixed salary. These requests were always followed with a heartfelt commitment in which Mozart would do everything in his will to “well and punctually serve.” (230)
Through his letters, it would appear that Mozart only had one true friend to whom he wrote often, Michael Puchberg. Within his letter to “[his] only friend” (244) “[his] best friend and brother” (242) Mozart asked for money. His constant need to lend money from Puchberg not only shows he inconsistent income, but the fact that he was so under appreciated during his time. He would write to Puchberg often, giving little excerpts of news amongst his begging for money, and forgiveness. Similar to those written to people in positions of power, Mozart’s letter to Puchberg were incredibly melodramatic and elaborate. After explaining his present financial difficulties which he “would not wish [on his] worst enemy” (242) a situation in which “[he was] guiltless of [his] most unfortunate, most tragic situation! Oh God!” (243) Mozart guarantees return payment, “I can pay back the whole sum, with whatever interest you ask, and at the same time acknowledge myself your life-long debtor.” (244) He always seemed regretful in having to ask for financial support, as it was a burden upon himself as well as the helper. However, his relationship with his only friend, Michael Puchberg, did not entail much more than help with Mozart’s unstable money situation.
Most notably, Mozart was exceptionally dramatic and flamboyant in his letters to his “best little Wife” (251). Away from her often, his notes to her would be of missing and tenderness, “Tears rained upon the paper as I wrote the foregoing page, but now let us cheer up! Catch! – an astonishing number of kisses are flying about” (253). Although his letters to his wife would be emotional, they were often short as he appeared to be exceptionally busy, and often able to only “write a few lines now in haste” (257). He also addresses others within the p.s. to his wife, mentioning Carl often and Sophie, and sending them kisses and “a few good nose-pulls” (266). Throughout his writing, Mozart appears to be very devoted to and passionate about his wife.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart comes alive in his letters to people of every caliber. His close, complex relations with a friend, respect for elders and love for his wife are evident on the pages left behind. His passion and dramatic sense within his writing of words is similar to that emotion we sense within his written music. A beautiful writer in all forms, he will forever be remembered.
