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.
