Through reading his correspondence with his family, friends, and colleagues, one can gain some understanding of Mozart’s personality, as well as his relationships with others. His letters are brimming with flattery, deference, and at times, uninhibited emotions. Oftentimes, he uses excessive praise, addressing even close companions with courteous formalities, when asking for assistance, such as his frequent requests for financial favors from his friends. Upon requesting money from Michael Puchberg, a friend from the Freemason lodge, he signs the letter with phrases such as “your most devoted friend” or “your most indebted servant,” as a promise of gratitude and servitude for his help. From these letters, it is evident that Mozart is very financially instable and incapable of using money sensibly, for he is often unable to pay back the funds he consistently asks for. Though he expresses shame and regret for his growing debts, it appears that he did little to change his irresponsible spending. He also self-admittedly has a “natural frankness,” whether in requesting a loan or commenting on the music and playing of others. For example, in a letter to his father, he mentions an oboe player and writes, “[H]e plays like a bad beginner… His tone is utterly nasal…” (233).

Mozart’s relationship with his father seemed to be tumultuous at times, yet it is obvious that both loved each other and Leopold Mozart cared very much about his son and his various endeavors. In several letters, Leopold recounts to his daughter the success of Wolfgang’s new music, such as the performance of his quartets, which earned praise from the already famous composer, Josef Haydn. Wolfgang also expresses concern over his father’s deteriorating health and then, mourned his death in 1787.  Mozart also appears to genuinely love and care about his wife, as well as his children, often displaying outpourings of emotion when writing to her. For example, on one occasion when he is away on business, he writes to his wife, “I kiss you a million times most tenderly, and am ever thine, true till death” (240).

Regarding his compositions and endeavors, Mozart seems to have been devoted and hardworking, even obsessive at times, often pleading with commissioners to give him more time to complete his projects.