Alexander Amir

9/21/16

Prof. Graff

Arts in NYC

 

Letters of Mozart

 

At the very start of Mozart’s letters, we can see that he’s extremely intelligent and knows how to win over his audience. His writing is flush with apologies and explanations for his late reply, and he flatters and charms Herr Geheimrath with compliments and respectful language. He also displays an intricate knowledge of German opera and shows his work ethic in making sure that he perfects his compositions. He is also extremely confident in his abilities, as he is comfortable with writing to the royal groom about the royal orchestra playing one of his pieces— all the while being overly respectful, almost obsequious.

The next few letters give some insight to Mozart’s relationship with his family. It seems as though him and his father had a few quibbles, it generally was a very healthy relationship. His father frequently applauded him on his success whether to him or to his sister, while always keeping an eye out on him and making sure he is prospering. Mozart wrote long letters bemoaning some of the music he saw while in England, and he spoke using words like “ritornello”, “tenata”, and “tremolando”, suggesting that him and his father bonded closely over music (233). He also grieved severely over the death of his father, and it’s clear Mozart loved him and the rest of his family very much, especially his sister as evident by letter 110.

Mozart seems to also have a problem with money. His father shows us that he has debts, and Mozart asks for loans in various letters with his usual flattery. He seems to be a great manipulator of people’s minds, by promising to “acknowledge [him]self [a] life-long debtor (244) and by “open[ing] his whole heart” (237) to his friends and potential lenders. He also discusses money with his wife, telling her about all the money he will bring home. Additionally in these letters to his wife we see the totality of his love for her. He writes even the small details about his time on his travels, showing that he values her opinions. He says “I kiss you a thousand times”, and “Tears rained upon the paper as I wrote” (252-253).

Mozart is extremely confident in his abilities and very apt at understanding, persuading, befriending, and gaining the trust of others.  He loved his family unconditionally and overall had great relationships with his parents, siblings, wife and kids. All these human traits combined with his musical prowess made him one of the most successful musicians ever.