Mozart’s Letters

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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.

Lauren Vicente, Mozart’s Letters

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Mozart’s Letters

            The musical marvel, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, has been consistently characterized by his dynamic concertos and opulent operas. The depth of his character, however, fails to be properly outlined by the average observer. In the book Letters of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, letters are selected and edited by Hans Mersmann that depict the struggle of the famous composer. From a need for money to a lack of free time, Mozart seems to personify the “starving artist” cliché. His faith in his music manages to keep him on track, but it is not hard to see the problems that he inevitably faced while trying to compose and prosper.

In his letters, Mozart constantly refers to his lack of time, claiming “[he has] not had time to read [letters] through even once without interruption.” (227) This lack of time seems to be a theme throughout the letters chosen by Mersmann, but the source cannot be determined. Whether pure forgetfulness or a lackadaisical view of social niceties, this trait shows how focused Mozart is upon his work. At one time, he claims it was the “eleventh day” (236) he’d been writing a letter! He seems to be sidetracked by his compositions. His letters are generally about his music or offerings to create music for several productions. Even in his last correspondence to his father, he gossips about musicians and composers. This dedication to his trade is infallible.

It could almost be assumed by the modern musician that Mozart had always received acclaim for his work, but that obviously wasn’t the case. Mozart’s money troubles become very apparent in June of 1788. He starts writing to several people including Michael Puchberg and Franz Hofdemel, claiming to go “straight to the point without affectation.” (237) He asks for sums of money that would greatly help him and even seems to guilt his friends, claiming to “throw [him]self on [their] goodness, being convinced of [their] friendship.” (240) The letters are quite short and devoid of true substance beyond the asking for money and asking for time to pay back the loans. Within the correspondences to Puchberg and Hofdemel, he gives several excuses as to why he does not have money. He uses excuses ranging from a missed payment to just barely being able to get by.

Despite the fact that Mozart seemed to abuse his resources, his love for his wife Costanze runs deep. He tries to protect her from the knowledge of his money troubles, writing that he is “suffering no hardships or inconveniences on this journey.” (240) He constantly sends her kisses and even refers to moments when he “looks to [her] portrait and weep, half for joy, half for sorrow.” (240) In a second letter, he goes more in depth with the ritual he keeps with the portrait, which, despite how romantic he thinks it is, seems very strange. He vies for her attention always and expects her to write him in all of her spare time. The “million kisses” (253) he sends her usually reach her well. He usually mentions their son Karl, but his general concern lies in Costanze.

Overall, Mozart seemed to be a man who was both concerned with his music and his wife. He fell into financial debt for the things he did, but never let himself forget his family. It’s hard to recognize that despite his fame, he could not manage to support himself. The letters that Mersmann chose humanized this musical marvel and helps modern musicians appreciate the work he put into his craft.

Lauren Vicente, Ways of Seeing

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Ways of Seeing Essay

            The depth of art and the value of these works have been debated throughout time. One of the fundamental pinnacles of a civilization, be it prehistoric or modern, has always been art and artistic renditions of important places and figures. A hefty question remains for the discoverers of these archives – are things actually as they seem within the paintings or photographs, or are they devoid of truth and tell a more emotional story? Each piece of art, according to John Berger “is affected by what we know or believe.” (Berger, 8) Alice Elizabeth Chase seems to find a slightly different meaning to art, using several examples of cultural art to imply that the artist has full control of what we see. She believes their art is affected by their personal beliefs and those beliefs can be examined and identified. Although these principles seem to differ at the core, both authors feel as though each moment portrayed through art is significant in one way or another to the artist. Each moment captured has a meaning beyond face value since it outweighed every other moment in time that the artist could have portrayed.

In John Berger’s book, Ways of Seeing, it is assumed that all art is significant in that the artist saw something deeper in the moment they portrayed. Cameras, despite their harsh reality, are still considered tools of art because the photographer chose a single moment in the everlasting string of time. Alice Elizabeth Chase finds a problem with photographs, claiming, “people get in each other’s way; one person’s shoulder hides another person; shadows blot out detail…the result often looks stiff and unnatural.” (Chase, 35) The dependence on and flow of increasing technology creates a problem for modern art. By Chase’s standards, photography is not to be considered true art due to the unnaturalness of the products. For future artists, it becomes a challenge to capture something as natural as oil and canvas due to the sheer convenience of photography. A simple click can replace hours upon hours of man’s true commodity: time.

Both authors seem to agree that art is a fundamental part of society, sometimes exceeding the importance of written work. Viewpoints can be displayed in a way that a hundred-page novel cannot begin to express. The impressions of a whole generation to the upper class can be demonstrated in subtle strokes of a brush and even the simplest facial expression or added detail can create a plethora of interpretations.

The meaning of art to civilized society is infinite.  Symbolically, it represents the thought process of an underrepresented voice. Despite differing opinions, art is what the examiner makes of it. It can mean one thing to the artist and a completely different thing to someone in the future. In an age where language barriers are still apparent, art has displayed the perfect means of communication, whether it be between decades, centuries or generation.

Chase, Alice Elizabeth. Looking At Art. New York City, NY: Thomas Y Crowell Company, 1966.

Berger, John. Ways of seeing. London: British Broadcasting Corp. :, 1972. Print.

 

 

 

The Letter of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

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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.

 

Anissa Daimally: The Letters of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

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The Letters of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

            Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is regarded as one of the greatest composers who ever lived. Yet, not many people knew the true life that this genius lived. Many believe that he was a rich and famous artist while others believe that he was a workaholic. The Letters of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, selected and edited by Hans Mersmann, gives an insight into his personal life, revealing Mozart’s character and his ability to relate to others.

Mozart was first and foremost a man with high family values. This is evident in his letters to his father, sister, and wife. It was known that Mozart and his father had quarrels and estrangement due to Mozart leaving for Vienna and then marrying Constanze Weber. However, when he received news that his father Leopold Mozart fell ill, he immediately wrote a letter to Leopold asking for news about his health. When his father died, Mozart was hit hard by the death. He wrote to his sister Maria Anna Mozart, consoling her with the news that he will be a brother that she can count on and who will always be there for her in times of grief.

Furthermore, Mozart had an amorous relationship with his wife, as is evident in the colorful language he used to communicate with his wife. He wrote, “I kiss you a million times most tenderly,” and, “Hold your hands up in the air-2999 ½ little kisses are flying from me to you and waiting to be snapped up.” These romantic words were almost always used at the end of each letter Mozart sent to his wife. He wrote to his wife several times when she fell ill. He wanted to make sure that his wife was recovering and to also assure her that he missed her everyday that they were apart.

In addition to being a family-centered man, Mozart was also religious. In his letter to his father, he wrote, “And I thank my God for blessing me with the opportunity (you understand me) of coming to recognise Him as the key to our true blessedness.” He believed that death was the true goal of life and that the image of coming to God was reassuring and consoling.

Also, Mozart was immensely occupied with his work. In his letters, he revealed that he did not have a minute to himself. For example, he was not able to complete a letter in a short time; instead, one letter spanned over several days. His work separated him from his family since he had to travel to numerous places conducting and composing his symphonies/operas. In several of his letters, he expressed his longing to see his wife, but he could not because of his work schedule. Although his letters portrayed him to be a workaholic, Mozart refused several offers to make a fortune to secure money for his family. Instead, he wanted to serve the Imperial Court in the city of Vienna.

Despite being known as a successful composer, he did not live a financially-secure life. It seems that he was very frivolous with his money, since he had to ask for loans several times from friends. In his letters, he was shown to ask Michael Puchberg for a loan numerous times. Each time he asked Puchberg, Mozart coaxed him, saying that if Puchberg were a true “brother” or friend, he would lend Mozart the money. Mozart said he was trustworthy and would be able to repay the allowance. This, however, proved to be false. Mozart was unable to make enough money, or the money he did make was spent on other expenses. Consequently, Mozart was buried in the “common grave,” with few friends attending his funeral. He left his family penniless, forcing them to beg the Emperor Leopold II for money and care. As said before, Mozart refused many offers to make a fortune. I believe his refusals were foolish and that he should have wholeheartedly accepted the proposals. His pride and his frivolity with money essentially led to his downfall.

Even though Mozart died a financially-poor man, he lived an amazing life. He composed many successful operas that are still known today, such as The Marriage of Figaro and Don Giovanni. He left behind a legacy in music that many composers to this day still admire.

Ashley Haynes: Mozart’s Letters

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Peeling Back the Layers into the Real Man

         A man truly ahead of his time, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, has been the man to music that Shakespeare has been for literature. Although only living for a brief thirty-five years, Mozart would go on to compose six hundred works ranging from operas, concertos, symphonies, and chamber music to choral music. All of which, even centuries later has been just as prominent then as they are now in such well known movies as Seven Pounds and Dinner for Schmucks. His famous works including Don Giovanni, The Magic Flute, his no.40 in G minor and no. 41 in C major aren’t just facets of the past to be known and simply forgotten.

Yet, although being known, as one of the greatest composers of all time isn’t a sordid title to say the least, there was more to the man than his gift as a musical genius. Mozart was a genuine, altruistic, humorous family man and friend who was able to relate to others. This man, the uncensored Mozart was best exhibited in his famous personal letters.

In his numerous letters to his wife, Mozart was simply like any other husband in his longings to be with his wife instead of away working on music. In letters 115 and 138 through 140, he wrote about his yearnings to know if his wife thought about him every waking moment as he did of her. Was she as overcome with emotion in dealing with the temporary separation as he was? She was always his rock that he could physically turn to be with. Yet, when he was away he could only just put pen to paper and express his feelings of being with her and kissing her, a reality tough to swallow. Therefore, when he went a long lapse of time without writing her, he expressed his guilt. Being away from her and his family in an effort to be a provider and follow his passion wasn’t easy. “I have often thought of traveling farther, but whenever I tried to force myself to decide to do so, the thought always came to me how bitterly I should regret it if I were to separate myself so long from my beloved wife without certain prospect of success, and perhaps quite fruitlessly”. (Letter 129)

In his letter to his father, Mozart showed his compassion. He wrote about his fear upon hearing that his father wasn’t in good health and how much he had longed for his speedy recovery. He voiced that knowing his father was ill made him greater appreciate waking up to see a new day no matter if he was old or young. He just wanted to know the truth when it came to his father’s health, good or bad because he wanted to know how he could help.  He wanted to know so that he could be a good supportive brother to his sister and obedient son to his father.

In his letters to his friends, Mozart showed equal humility. He wrote with regret in Letter 117 for not having responded in a speedily fashion because he knew if someone took the time out to reach out to him, the least he could do would be to respond in a readily capacity even if he was busy. When he was in need of money, he wasn’t afraid to ask and admit that it would take him some time to pay off the debt but that he would pay it back with interest. He expressed why he was rather brief in letter 118 to a friend due to his worry over his wife’s health. Mozart had a sense of courtesy because he knew life was not only about him alone. As a result, in subsequent letters he spoke of his pleasant excitement in simply hearing from fellow companions. “The conviction that you are indeed my friend, and that you know me for a man of honour, emboldens me to disclose all my heart to you, and to make you the following petition.” (Letter112)

Then above all, Mozart showed his light-hearted sense of humor in his one hundredth and thirty second letter. He wrote about a home set up for his wife having Goldhahn quarters similar to the one used by the butcher. Then if such weren’t available he would prefer something near the baths. He essentially knew what he was asking for was ridiculous but still proceeded with the letter. Mozart wasn’t ashamed to be blunt about what he thought of by writing it down for others to read. In his exact words he said “this is the stupidest letter I have ever written in my life”.(letter 132) Yet, I believe such a trait made Mozart one of the greatest composers by allowing him to just convert the music he conjured in his head to pen and paper.

Subsequently, I now realize it is only truly through his letters that one could fathom the true embodiment of Mozart as a complete person. Mozart wasn’t simply a musical genius. Mozart the uncensored man was a fun, light-hearted compassionate person like you and I who just so happened to be gifted as well.

 

Categorizing your posts

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Hi all:

Remember to categorize your posts before you publish. The list of categories is on the right side (below the publish button.) If the class needs a new category for an assignment, please let me know. I created the ones you see using the syllabus, but perhaps there are better assignment descriptions?

Hope you all enjoyed Fall for Dance last night.

Best,

Karen

Lucy Snyder: Mozart Letters

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In Wolfgang Mozart’s letters to his wife, sister, clients and friend and Leopold Mozart’s letters to his daughter (Mozart’s sister), only several topics are discussed. However, a lot is revealed about Mozart’s personality and his relationship with other people.

Mozart shows his professional side when he writes his past and potential clients. It is clearly a hard time for Mozart financially. He asks for a salary as well as the honor of working for the royal groom of the champers and to replace Herr Kapellmeister Hofmann of the Council of Vienna. He speaks of his accomplishments, saying “my musical talents and achievements are known abroad, my name held in considerable estimation everywhere, and I myself have for several years enjoyed the honor of the appointment of Court composer here in the capital…” He is writing in his own best interest but maintains proper etiquette for doing do.

Mozart’s letters to his friend concern borrowing money also contain profuse apologies. It is clear that he isn’t so much embarrassed as he is empathetic for Michael Puchberg, merchant of Veinna. Mozart is full of promises of repayment and returning favors but it becomes clear that he isn’t going to be able to anytime soon. However, he reassures his friend he is working his hardest and even gives examples of what he is doing to earn more money.

In addition to being apologetic on the issue of finances, Mozart apologizes for things he write as if he were speaking. For example, when writing to Geheimrath, he apologizes before receiving a response for potentially taking his rant too far.

Mozart has moments talking about other people that seem subjective. His letters mostly concern his own well-being and the person he is corresponding with, but occasionally he discusses another party. He is honest about their talents, for example when he says, “If the latter played no better at the time we knew him in Holland than he plays now, he certainly does not deserve is fame!” of Fishers. In a letter to his wife, he says “the Arch-Enemy, was so much the Bavarian that I could not stay, or I should have been forced to tell him he was an ass!…At first I had patience… but he mocked at everything. It became too much for me.”

Corresponding with his sister, he expects the truth and is disappointed and upset when she has not told him of their father’s passing. He says, “I beg you will not… will not conceal it from me, but tell me , or have told, the whole truth, so that I can come with all human speed to your arms!” He wants to be a part of the family and to help in this situation even though he is not presently nearby. In this letter, he has to almost convince her that he would give the world for her and why is she not doing the same for him? This is him inducing shame into her.

Mozart shows slight modesty in some instances. When he speaks to his wife about his travels, he says, “True, I am celebrated here, admired and beloved…” but this is more of a description of a new place.

Mozart does not appear to be very empathetic toward his father. He asks him to take care of his child while he travels (according to Leopold Mozart). It is possible that it is just a favor asked, but the father does not seem to want to. However, we don’t see Mozart’s letter to his father.

He highly empathizes with his wife and her sickness. He constantly tells her he loves her and their son, Carl, and sends her kisses. Mozart gives her stories of his travels so that she is entertained and comforted. It might seem that he showers her in complements to lift some of the anger she might have for leaving her alone for extended periods of time uncared for, or it could be true love. He does speak about a “kind of emptiness which hurts [him] sharply” as he misses her.

Berger vs. Chase

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Joshua Sloan
Chase and Berger
9/19/12

Both Chase and Burger emphasize the importance of art and the ability manifested in it to convey meaning. While Berger primarily focuses on the viewer’s interpretation of the work of art, Chase concentrates on the artist’s intentions when painting the picture. Although their views vary in this way, it is clear that they both agree that art is open to interpretation, and that there is truly a skill in “seeing.”

Burger outlines the mechanics of deciphering a picture for all of its intended beauty. He believes that most people under-value art pieces due to their inability to see. Burger illustrates the importance of imagery by use of a very fundamental fact: before children are able to speak, their sole interpretation of the surrounding environment is purely through imagery. In Ways of Seeing, Berger dedicates several chapters to pictures without captions, which exemplifies the value of pictures and even equates them to words.

Chase differs from Berger slightly in giving the power of interpretation to the artist more than the viewer. He posits that a piece of art captures the emotions, the setting, and the beliefs of the artist. Although certain depictions may be contrary to popular belief – and even things accepted as fact – Chase believes this demonstrates the focus being the artist’s and not what is expected by the viewer.
By Chase and Berger writing extensive works depicting the potential beauty of art, my appreciation of art grew exponentially. I was previously under the ignorant impression (that I assume most people share) that art stops in the two-dimensional stage, and that there is nothing deeper. By employing certain techniques outlines in Ways of Seeing, even the inexperienced viewer – like myself- is able to appreciate art to a new degree. And, by Chase illustrating the different components that are captured in a work of art, it makes you truly delve into the piece of art until you find these components.

Although Berger and Chase have slightly varying opinions on the way to “see” art, they both agree that “seeing” art is an acquired and imperative skill. This skill of seeing is so essential for even the most basic viewers because without it you can only appreciate the partial beauty of a painting. By reading these works of both Berger and Chase, I no longer just view art, but truly “see” it for its intended value.