Kristy Carlin

Mozart

Anyone can tell that Mozart was a talented musician just by listening to some of his work. Similarly anyone who does a little research knows he showed his talent at a very young age and was well respected for what he had accomplished. None of these facts give you a true understanding of the type of man Mozart was or what kind of life he led quite like his own written letters do. “The Letters of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart” selected and edited by Hans Mersmann depicts how Mozart communicated with his family, friends and potential employers which gives unique insight to his character aside from his immense talent.

The love and adoration for his wife is shown clearly through Mozart’s letters to her, each affectionately addressed “dearest best little wife”. Often exchanged while Mozart was away for long periods of time express how much he missed her by saying things like “Do you think of me as often as I think of you?” (240) And tells her that he kisses her portrait good morning and goodnight each day that they are apart. His affections are also highlighted in his concern for her health and well-being while he can not be there to care for her. His wife acquires an injury through the course of the letters and Mozart does his best to give her advice on her health and relays his concerns about it to her. Each letter to his wife also ends with a mention of his child Carl whom he always sends his love to and stresses the importance of his good behavior. Mozarts letters display him as a family man with a passionate love for his wife, though he does not seem to spend as much time with them as he would like. His work is often inspired by the desire to support them and keep them well.

The collection also includes letters between Mozart and his dear friend Michael Puchberg, who seems to be very wealthy. In each letter to him Mozart asks for a different loan and discusses his hardships and lack of work. The requests for money are plentiful but also humble and embarrassed. The letters are mostly signed “your humble servant” (254). It’s clear that Mozart was having many financial difficulties but was ashamed of how much money he had to ask for. He often mentions how busy he is and apologizes for not responding to letters sooner though he isn’t working enough to support his family and is not finishing his pieces. Though Puchberg’s responses are not included in the collection, he seems to be complying to Mozart’s requests. Mozart often mentions how he does not have the money to pay him back on time and never writes about sending a payment to him.

Letters to Mozart’s father show how much he honored and cared for him. Additionally, letters from Mozart’s father that were addressed to his sister are also included and describe his performances with pride. As his father’s health declines, Mozart expresses the love he has for him and all of his concerns. With any news of his father’s health he writes he would reach him with “all human speed” to “kiss his hands a thousand times” (234) The only letter included in the collection that is rom Mozart to his sister describes his disappointment that she did not tell him about the their fathers passing and he suggests that because of it he will no longer be leaving his fortune to her. Which doesn’t matter much because when Mozart actually does pass he has no fortune to leave even to his own wife and children. The final letter in the collection is written on Mozart’s behalf and asks the royal family to take pity on his family and financially support them because they were left with nothing.