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Mozart’s Character

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Fred Erlikh-

Throughout his personal letters, Mozart communicates himself most amiably, gracefully, conscientiously, and even fervently expressing his thoughts and feelings. Often he is exclaiming his reactions to certain circumstance, and typically reflects on his experiences with great forethought, giving the reader a deeply contemplated impression. Figurative language is his default speech, and rightfully so, it is his strong suit. Especially when accentuating the sensitivities of his being, Mozart is provocative, eloquent, and a simply very charming and charismatic individual.

Mozart is consistently open about his troubles and concerns, and ultimately channels them to his advantage. He writes in a letter discussing a composition position to Sebastian Winter Royal-Groom of the Chambers, “… I should be able to work with a more collected mind, being sure of having work to do!” (p. 230). If he is certain to be compensated for his pieces, he could effectively write more with a ‘sound’ mind. He inquires to Winter as to whether or not the Prince would be interested in orchestrations for his ensemble. Mozart would compose various types of pieces for the Prince’s orchestra, if given a fixed annual salary. Mozart conveys anxiety towards the Prince’s response, hoping he does not take the offer as inappropriate, even should he not be willing to accept it. He even describes the drive behind the proposal “…arises from an impulse of genuine zeal to serve his Highness diligently”. Mozart is exceptional at reinventing flattery to aid his whim.

He implements flattery as well as humility several times in letters to Michael Puchberg, a dear and loyal friend. In a 1788 letter, he expresses great distress over not having enough money to settle his affairs. He exclaims, “If you, my most worthy Brother, will not help me in my predicament, I shall lose honor and credit, which of all things I wish dearly to preserve.” (p. 239). In a dignifying and pervasive attempt to preserve his own values, he projects characteristics that his “most worthy Brother” (whom he also humbles himself to with such a description) would find easily respectable. It also precisely the spirit by which Mozart addresses his patrons, especially Puchberg when asking, “in whom am I to put my trust? In no one but you my best friend!” One might even say he guilt-trips his friend, towards the end of the letter claiming to be ‘visited frequently by black thoughts’, an allusion to his darker and more sorrowful states of mind. His melancholy and woes are continuously reflected on in a state of tenderness.

Mozart’s sensitivity is most clearly expressed in letters to his wife, where he conveys deep love and longing for her. Often he is pressed by financial matters, and forced to travel for business. He consistently notes that the few days or weeks, which he is away from her feel like years. His desire to see his wife is a dire dilemma when it comes to his work abroad. He proclaims, “…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 quiet fruitlessly!” (p. 252). Working as an artist, he may be going on a potentially fruitless journey with the possibility he could be away from his wife for a long period of time without compensation. This was a major concern for Mozart after his wife fell ill, at which point he was driven to stay with her as often as he could.

One of the most prominent composers of the Romantic era was not by any means bad with words. He was especially fluid and lucid in his thoughts and inflections. He was a deeply affectionate man, and this enabled him to communicate himself effectively and truthfully. He explored the dismal side of his emotions, as much as the joyful side, and even when he made himself contemplate the worst, he surely did vigorously and continuously hope for the best.

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The letters of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, musical genius, to such recipients as friends, colleagues, prospective clients, and family exhibit occasions where one can interpret the composer’s character and ability to relate to others. From his letters, Mozart appears to embody the common idea of the struggling artist who is always lacking funds and time.

The work oriented and driven Mozart was portrayed in a letter addressed to Sebastian Winter, Royal Groom-of-the-Chambers. In this specific letter, Wolfgang thanks profusely for the Prince’s generosity, but also divulges his desire to provide his Highness with “certain orchestrated pieces,… If his Highness would be so gracious as to commission [him], year by year” (229). Mozart is also revealed to be very busy and consumed with his work, as well as a “starving” artist, when he writes to such friends as Anton Klein and Michael Puchberg. In his writing to Klein, Mozart apologizes for his late reply. He exclaims, “my hands are so full of affairs that I can find scarce a minute for myself” (227). When addressing his friend Puchberg, Mozart shows his business ambition and financial shortcomings when he asks Puchberg for money. He apologizes for this but assures he will repay this loan with interest. To confirm his honesty Mozart states, “whoever, lends to me is, secure enough by reason of my character and my salary” (239). He finds himself to be a trustworthy friend.

In his letters to his wife and friend Michael Puchberg, Mozart also reveals a caring and very grateful side. Mozart misses his wife dearly for when he looks upon her portrait he weeps for sorrow and joy. He also expresses concern in light of her health. He proclaims, “look after your precious health, which means so much to me” (240). He also shows unease for his wife’s respect and conduct. In his letters to Puchberg, Mozart also shows his regret and “torment” (243) in asking for more funds. Mozart explains his misfortune in being ill and thus must “beg so shamelessly” (244) for money. However, he professes his thankfulness and assures the good of his friend’s generosity will outweigh the bad.

Also apparent in his letters to his wife is Mozart’s joking and playful nature. When addressing his wife, he uses the pet name “little wife” (241) in his enthusiasm to finally be able to see her again after such a long period apart. He professes how he thinks of her often and admits to conversing with her portrait. When talking to his wife’s picture, Mozart uses such antics and phrases as “Good day, little rogue! pussy-wussy! saucy on! – good-for-nothing!-dainty morsel!” (241).

Mozart’s various letters reveal his character as an eventful businessman, thankful friend, and loving husband. Despite his struggle to obtain money and to find suitable work opportunities, Mozart remained a humble and thankful musical prodigy.

Mozart

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Mozart

Professor Graff                                                                                Gregory Kurgansky

Arts in NYC                                                                                       October 1, 2014

MOZART

“It is a mistake to think that the practice of my art has become easy to me. I assure you, dear friend, no one has given so much care to the study of composition as I. There is scarcely a famous master in music whose works I have not frequently and diligently studied.” As delineated by the greatly intellectual and talented composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, an incredulous amount of effort and details were incorporated into each piece created. Therefore, it is evident from this quote and Mozart’s correspondence that Mozart possessed an extremely genuine and caring character, which was able to relate to the individuals that the composer was in contact with.

Mozart’s character is clearly gregarious and very kind as the talented musician addressed each and every single letter with diligence, utmost thoughtfulness, and described each miniscule event completely. For instance, as exhibited in Mozart’s letter to Professor Anton Klein, “Most estimable Herr Geheimrath, I am much at fault, I must confess, for not having at once acknowledge the safe receipt of your letter and the accompanying packet.” (227) As Mozart continues to discuss how he will address the information received from Professor Klein, it can be seen that Mozart genuinely values his colleagues and maintains a high set of morals. Furthermore, his caring and loving character is evident through his postal exchange with various family members. Firstly, when writing to his sister, “Dearest, best Sister! … Be assured my dear that if you desire a kind and loving brother to care for you, you will find one in me on every occasion. My dearest, best Sister!”(234) The repetition and the diction of utilizing dearest and best sister show how greatly Mozart cherishes the positive and strong bonds with his family. Furthermore, the fact that he reassures his sister that he loves her unconditionally and will always be there for her, delineates that Mozart loves and understands the importance of maintain relationships with the people who are dear to you. In addition, Mozart exemplifies his honest and caring character through his letters to his wife, where he writes “Farewell, and love me for ever as, I love thee. A million tenderest kisses to thee. I am ever Thy tenderly loving… P.S. Is our Karl being a good boy? I hope so. Kiss him for me. All kind messages to Herr and Frau Puchberg.” Overall, as evidenced in Mozart’s conclusion and postscript, Mozart makes sure to exhibit his feelings to his wife through paper, while sending kisses and regards to his son and dearest friends Mr. and Mrs. Puchberg.

Mozart maintained a great ability to relate others on various different topics and occasions. As shown throughout the letters, there were times when Mozart was in good health and good financial standing, while other times Mozart and his wife were both sick and he was in massive debt. When composing an important letter, which was every letter for Mozart, he placed much effort into connecting with the other individual and making sure that both parties are in agreement on a certain topic or situation. For example, in July 1789, Mozart wrote a letter to his long time friend Michael Puchberg, in which he writes, “Dearest Friend and Brother! Since you did me that great and friendly service, I have lived in such misery that, not only have I not been able to go out, but I could not write for very grief! … The tears flow as I write-If you can, dearest friend, come to see us. And if you can, give me your advice and help in the matter you know of.”(244) Throughout this and other verisimilar letters, Mozart describes each detail of the current events in his life and shows the horrible situation that his family is going through. Then, he connects and relates with the person he is writing to, by exhibiting sincerity, honesty, care, and respect. By being open about his mishaps and explaining that he’d rather lend money from his dearest friend and brother than from a heartless loan shark, Mozart can relate to his friend on an emotional and deep mental level. Another instance, in which Mozart relates to the individual, to which he is writing, is Sebastian Winter, Royal Groom of The Chambers. In the letter, Mozart requests that his services be hired on a yearly basis, and be paid for composing several pieces of music annually. However, instead of bluntly asking for funds, Mozart explains why he specifically is corresponding to the Highness for employment. As stated in the letter, “I hope his Highness will not take my proposition amiss, even should he be disinclined to accept it, for indeed it arises from an impulse of genuine zeal to serve his Highness diligently…”(230) Hence, the careful and respectful manner in which Mozart relates to the court of the highness exhibits the fact that the composer takes great pride, care, thought, and morals in to consideration when preparing a letter to a colleague or another person of interest. In general, Mozart possesses a great ability to relate to individuals on both a personal and a professional level, with appropriate diction and demeanor to show that his intents are entirely genuine, trustworthy, and positive.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was an extremely intelligent composer who had a positive, caring, and honest character that enabled the talented musician to relate to other individuals through highly respectful and morally proper correspondence. As evidenced throughout the collection of Mozart’s letters, it is clear that Mozart was an individual who believed in describing his situation genuinely and treating people who were close to him with the most admiration and love possible.

 

Ryan Mellino – Mozart

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Somehow I doubt that the man needs much introduction, but anyway. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is perhaps the most famous composer in the history of music. He wrote countless masterpieces from a very young age, and time has proven him to be one of the most outstanding talents in human history. Mozart lived the short, rather painful life so common in the eighteenth century, dying in only his thirty-fifth year, yet the contributions he made to the human portrait will last a hundred times longer.

For all of his undeniable talent, Mozart was caught up in his own beautiful world too often to live a happy and peaceful life in this cold reality. A predominant theme in Mozart’s letters is his perpetual debt. His letters to Michael Puchberg are no more than Mozart begging his friend for money. Clearly, the struggling artist trope is in full evidence here. Despite working for some of the most powerful members of the nobility, Mozart’s fanciful nature prevented him from ever achieving the sort of financial and personal stability of a Bach, for instance. His letters to Puchberg border on (and indeed likely cross the line) into groveling, as he continually apologizes for failing to repay previous debts while simultaneously asking for more money and insuring Puchberg that his character and morals should leave him with no doubt that the money will be repaid.

However, it is quite evident that Mozart is not simply preying on the kindness of others to make up for his own shortcomings. There is no hint of malice, no indication that Mozart is using Puchberg. Indeed, the writing style employed by Mozart in all his letters is of an excessively conciliatory nature which cannot be seen as a put on, but as a genuine reflection of Mozart’s personality. His letters all open with “Dearest Friend” or something to that effect, and end with “Faithfully yours” or something similar. In between, Mozart writes in the same graceful and flowing style that one might expect after listening to his compositions. Even when he is upset with someone, as he is shown to be in his letter to his sister after she neglected to inform him of their father’s death, Mozart still chooses his words in a very dainty manner.

Speaking of dainty, Mozart’s letters to his wife must be some of the most hopelessly romantic pieces of writing ever put to paper. Often calling her his “little” or “littlest wife”, Mozart must have truly loved her or been truly a bit insane, as his letters show someone so infatuated with a woman as to lead me to believe he viewed her as an ideal more than anything. The artist must often latch onto to something for inspiration, and it seems Mozart certainly found that in his wife. His letters to her are gooey and sappy, yet blatantly honest. One at no time doubts Mozart when he talks about “all the things I do with your dear portrait” or sends his wife “a thousand kisses” with complete sincerity. It is also interesting that Mozart often sends along his well wishes to his children is a postscript; it is not clear if this is because he is forgetful, was too focused on the topic at hand (how much he really really loves his wife), or if perhaps he wanted his children to see they had their own part of the letter from him. In any event, it is interesting to see that, as with Wagner, Mozart’s personality as evidenced through his writing was reflected so closely in his music.

A man so famous, that his first, middle, and last names are irrevocably associated with him, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart has rightfully gone down in history as one of the greatest artists in human history. His own writing show a man very much like his music: impassioned, sweet and beautiful, yet removed from reality. For all his financial woes, Mozart was still able to compose hundreds of pieces whose fame and beauty survives through the present day.

Mozart’s Letters

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Arts in NYC – Steven Graff

Luis Feliciano

10/1/14

Contrary to popular belief, Mozart was not as successful as we envision him today. Of course today we see him as a classic musician, and because of that we assume he lived a luxurious life. However, as revealed through his letters, we see that he struggled financially fairly often. Additionally, we see that Mozart was very polite, even when he wasn’t asking for money. This is made evident through the many conversations he has with his wife.

To begin with, you can feel Mozart’s kindness right from the beginning of his letters. When writing to a friend, he always begin with, “Dearest Friend!” When writing to his wife, Mozart always begins with a cute little sentiment towards her. Sometimes he’ll open with “Dearest, best little Wife!” or “Dearest, best little wife of my heart!” From the letter openings alone we could tell that Mozart really adored his wife. On the other hand, when writing to Michael Puchberg, the person whom he constantly asks to borrow money from, Mozart always begins with “Dearest, best of Friends!” This is a subtle distinction, but shows that Mozart regards Puchberg as a more important person. However, he could just be using pathos, in order to seal the deal. Finally, Mozart also writes a few letters to people of higher nobility, and refers to them as such. For example, when he wrote to Emperor Leopold 11, he opens the letter with “Your Majesty!”

The most is revealed about Mozart through his letters to Michael Puchberg. He clearly knows and trusts Puchberg very well. Letter 118 is very powerful. It is full with strong uses of pathos, which in turn show that Mozart was once a struggling artist. His opening remark, “My God, I could not wish my worst enemy in my present case!” is very moving. It takes a lot for a man to acknowledge when he is defeated. He struggles to find a job that will pay him enough to not only pay Puchberg back, but to also just live day to day. Mozart is constantly reassuring Puchberg that he will eventually get the money. For example he says, “you know my present circumstances, but you also know my prospects.” Through this letter, we see that Mozart truly feels bad for being in debt to Puchberg, and wants to affirm to him that once he gets through these tough times, he will be able to get the money that he needs.

In that same letter, Mozart goes on speaking about his “poor sick wife.” As revealed in his other letters, Mozart cares very deeply about his wife. Reading all of letters together even makes the reader feel sympathy towards him. Letter 115 shows how much he cares about his wife. He is always busy with work, but still finds small breaks to write to his wife, and it fills his heart. For example, “while the Prince is engaged in bargaining for horses,” Mozart took some time out to write to her. Additionally, he worries for her health, as any other caring husband would, “Look after your precious health, which means so much to me, my dear.” You can feel the anxiousness he feels. He asks many rhetorical questions back to back such as, “How goes it with you?” or “Do you think of me as often as I do of you?” It’s almost like when you talk to your crush. You get fluttered really easily, and all of your thoughts come out with or without your consent.

These letters show how relatable Mozart can be. Sometimes when you imagine a famous musician, it is hard to imagine that they could feel as we do. After reading these letters, I have a much better and more realistic understanding of who Mozart was as a person.

Letters of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

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Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, born on January 27, 1756, was one of the most popular Classical composers. He was the seventh child of Leopold and Anna Maria. The couple had seven children, but unfortunately, only two survived: the fourth, Maria Anna and the seventh, Wolfgang Mozart. His incomparable talent didn’t take long to be witnessed by the public. At only age five, he started composing masterpieces. By this age, he was already a master at playing both the piano and violin, as well as composing pieces for both instruments. Wolfgang Mozart was greatly influenced by his father, Leopold. Leopold was a violinist and a composer. Leopold recognized Wolfgang’s potential and dedicated his life to supporting his son’s talent. The Letters of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, edited by Hans Merzan, are a collection of letters that Wolfgang himself wrote to his friends and family while being on journeys. Throughout these letters, we observe that even a god-like figure like Mozart has a human side to him.

 

Accompanying his son Wolfgang throughout Europe to witness his performances, Leopold’s support might have been one of the reasons of why Mozart turned out to become one of the most accomplished composers ever. After the closing of one of Wolfgang’s concertos, Herr Joseph Haydn, another prolific Classical era composer, tells Leopold Wolfgang: “ I tell you, calling God to witness and speaking as a man of honor, that you son Is the greatest composer I know, either personally or by repute! He has taste, and, in addition, the most complete understanding of composition.”

 

In the early stages of 1787, Wolfgang Mozart along with his wife, set out on a journey to Prague. After his successful performance of his opera Le Nozze di Figaro, he was invited by a few experts to Prague, and gladly accepted the invitation. While his father is back home, Wolfgang finds out that he is extremely ill. He recognizes how life could finish at any moment, and states, “… I daily thank my Creator and wish with all my heart that my fellow man may share it.” While continuing to be in Prague with his wife, Mozart finds out of his fathers death in the 16th of June 1787. His death was totally unexpected for Wolfgang, and he sends his sister back home a letter, wondering why she hadn’t informed him of this occurrence.

 

Wolfgang continues to compose and perform operas in foreign countries in Europe, despite not having his father by his side. On June 1788, Mozart writes a letter to his dearest of friends, asking him to spare a “few hundred gulden” (Dutch currency) due to his bad economic state. This is where we come to see Mozart’s human side. He asks for money often throughout these letters, which is shocking for the reader to believe that a man of his stature, and with so many great accomplishments on his resume, would borrow money from his friends to make a living. He shows how desperately he needed the money when he states, “Now pray accept my letter as a true sign and remain ever my friend and bro, as I shall remain, till the grave…”

 

After finishing his trip in Prague, Wolfgang Mozart travels to Berlin and other cities in Germany to perform. He is alone on this trip, as his wife and son Karl are back home. He expresses much love when writing to his wife and son, showing that he truly misses them while being away. He writes letters ever so often, and concludes them all by saying, “ A million kisses to you.” After performing six pianoforte sonatas for Princess Federica and six quarters for the king, he finds out that his wife is ill due to a foot injury. He continuously wishes she will get well. His sense of humor is seen on one of the letters to his wife, where she says her appetite is good, and then Mozart responds by saying, “I am glad your appetite is good, but he who eats a lot must also ——— a lot? –No walk a lot.”

 

Mozart continues to be away from his wife, performing in Switzerland and Germany. He expresses how badly he can’t wait for the day he will see her. “Even my work gives me no joy, because I am accustomed to break off from time to time and exchange a few words with you.” He has started paying back some of the money that he borrowed from his “brothers”, but still wasn’t finished. Unfortunately, December 5, 1791 marked the day of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s death. The cause of his death still isn’t clear, but many believe it was due to a disease or poisoning. Wolfgang Mozart’s influence is seen later during Western art music. Beethoven composed his works on shadow of Mozart, while Joseph Haydn wrote that a talent of Mozart’s caliber won’t be seen again in 100 years.

The letters of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

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There is no better source than a primary source, and that is clearly evident in the letters of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Having watched the major motion picture entitled “Amadeus”, I noticed some stark differences between the dramatic portrayal of his character and the reality of it.

Beginning by reading the letters from Mozart’s father, Leopold, to his sister Maria, one can note how proud this father was of his son. He boasts in his letter dated February 14, 1785 of his prodigal son’s achievements. The text is brimming with pride as he suggests that the concert was like none other and filled with notable attendees. On the second evening of his concert, a concert goer exclaimed to Leopold that “ … your son is the greatest composer I know, either personally or by repute!” This person was none other than the highly reputed Joseph Haydn himself, one of the famous forefront German composer of the Classical Era. In addition to his praise, Leopold also denotes his hopes for his son. He deliberates that so long as Mozart is free of debts he should be able to begin saving his money, placing 2000 florins in the bank. In another letter, Leopold claims that Mozart wants to leave his children with his father while he and his wife go touring around Europe. This proposal shows how carefree Mozart was, as well as how irresponsible he could be at times.

Mozart’s letters were highly personable. His charm seeps through his writing, something that was also apparent in the movie. He starts his letter to Professor Anton Klein of Mannheim with a declaration of fault for not answering his professor right away. He claims very descriptively that he hadn’t received both letter till last post day, and by use of exclamation points and metaphors such as “[m]y hands are so full of affairs…” It is evident that he is quite the enchanter and is able to manipulate people through kind words and a larger than life personality. In the movie portraying the life of Mozart, he is characterized as being a laughing baboon of sorts, fumbling for his words and exploding into fits of giggles for seemingly everything. In his letters, he also seems to have a sense of manners and formality when conversing with royals. His letter addressed to the Archduke Franz in May 1790 begins with a self-deprecating statement and praise of the Archduke. He then goes on to say that because of a “…desire for fame, by a love of my work and by a conviction of my own talents….” He wished to apply for the post of Second Kapellmeister. He does so with such grace and tact that it does not seem like an odd venture. In contrast, the movie shows Mozart as a flustered fool in front of loyalty: unable to recognize the duke from one of his men, and falling to the feet of royalty whilst showering his hand with kisses, prompting the surrounding court men to laugh at his expense.

Both in his letters and in movies made for him, Mozart is seen as a hopeless romantic and a debtor. The duke in Amadeus exclaims that when Mozart was last in his palace at the age of six giving a wonderful concert, he slipped off his stool and when the duke’s sister helped him up he jumped into her arms and asked “will you marry me?!” His letters to his wife are addressed to his “[m]ost beloved little Wife!” They go on to say that she has a husband who loves and dotes on her. His letters have a motif of begging others for money to pay debts, with promises that the loans are only needed for the moment and will be repaid as soon as possible. His awful money management and his lack of responsibility are echoed in his correspondences with others.

Mozart’s Character

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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.

Mozart’s Letters

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The letters from Mozart seem to portray a very amicable yet oddly imposing individual. Mozart writes to friends, his wife, and potential sponsors in a very friendly manner. There is no strict formality to his letters, except of course his letter King Leopold which was still intimate.

Personally, I found it odd when he addressed letters to his wife, Constantia, as  “Best little wife!”. This affectation seems to be on the hilarious side, if a bit of a mixed compliment. His relationship with his wife was clearly loving, and Mozart and his children also have had good rapport.

His own relationship with his own side of the family, father and sister, is less open. His father, Leopold, is very close to Amadeus in the father and son dynamic. Leopold offers to Amadeus to take care of the latter’s children, to which Amadeus refuses. It is understandable, since Amadeus doesn’t want to burden his aging father, who already gives effort to overseeing Amadeus’s success, as seen with Leopold’s exchanges to his daughter, Amadeus’s sister, which are always about Amadeus. There is possible resentment on the sister’s side in this case, when she did not send a letter to Amadeus herself informing him of their father’s death. Conditions withstanding, Amadeus still makes the effort to reconcile with his sister, and even assures her that he will be there for her in case she needed help, in spite of his own financial issues. After this, we see no more correspondence between the siblings.

Moving on to Mozart’s financial problems, which were plenty in his life. His lifetime debtor was a certain Michael Puchberg, a merchant he met when he joined the order of Freemasons. There are no letters from Puchberg to Mozart, but it could be inferred that Mozart was often overdue on his payments. Mozart is very desperate in this monetary pursuit, that he ends up promising to pay debts with as much interest as Puchberg wanted. Terrible money management on his part, which is probably why he spent his entire life in debt.

Mozart constantly uses references to the recipient’s family life, and his own, in an attempt to have them sympathize with his situation. It has served him well in his lifetime, enough to at least feed his family and place them in decent living space. Unfortunately, this was not enough to secure money for his family after his death. One has to wonder where his annual salary goes.

Mozart’s letters

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Benjamin Sanits

Macaulay Honors College Seminar

Mozart’s Letters

Society’s preconceived notions regarding historical figures are not always accurate. Over the years, the reputations of famous figures of the past are often severely misconstrued. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart exemplifies this idea through the collections of letters selected by and edited by Hans Merzman. The letters written for or by friends and family reflected on the side of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart that had been obscured by time. Seeing that side of the person I once deemed at almost god-like in his brilliance, I realized that even the most incredibly ingenious have a human side, despite time filing away on that part of his or her legacy.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was a talented entertainer. Since childhood, he already played the violin and the keyboard. Soon after, he began composing his own music and even started performing for royalty. Now this is very misleading in that despite being a royal guest, Mozart’s financial issues permeated the span of his life. Anyone would assume that someone talented enough to be deemed worthy of royalty would also be worthy of large sums of money and attention. However, contrary to intuition, Mozart had a tough time dealing with finances, assuming we could even call it “dealing.” Mozart would borrow amounts of money that he could not repay. Then he would prey upon emotion to coax out more loans. He was desperate for finances to run his life and so he learned to beg earnestly to aid his survival.

One very surprising detail about Mozart’s character happened to be his need to please the person he was addressing. He developed a polite and flattering way to compliment the audience of his letter. For someone so influential to humanity and culture as a whole, I hoped Mozart would be more independent and self-sufficient. In “The Great Operas” letter, Mozart calls Herr Geheimrath a “true German” and finished of the letter with “your humble servant.” Also, earlier in the letter, Mozart extensively explained and excused his late response to the original letters, showing that he wasn’t the one in control. It is strange to think the famous all-mighty Mozart couldn’t put his affairs in order.

When Leopold Mozart died, Wolfgang of course mourned the passing of his father. It is evident that his financial ordeals were not in order because his own sister, his flesh and blood, did not trust him with the knowledge of the death of his father right away. Mozart says “I was neither astonished nor shocked that you did not yourself inform me of the sad and, to me, quite unexpected death of our dear father, for I could easily guess the reason.” He seemed notorious for his almost selfish habits for borrowing money. Knowing of the death of his father might attract his attention for the inheritance and so his sister didn’t even want to tell him about Leopold’s death.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart has a very different character from the expected persona of the musical prodigy. He, to may despair, seemed to grovel more than I find applicable to someone of such talent. Recognizing the fact that Mozart had such financial instability before his death, I realized that some geniuses are recognized after their deaths far more than before and it is so unfortunate. If he was more appreciated for his talents maybe he would have had a stable income to match what someone of his caliber deserves.