People err who think my art comes easily to me. I assure you, dear friend, nobody has devoted so much time and thought to composition as I. There is not a famous master whose music I have not industriously studied through many times
--Mozart
Movies
Beautiful film, but it did the truth concerning Mozart no favors.
Books
Mozart: A Cultural Biography, by Robert W. Gutman
Heroes
I believe Salieri must have responded to Mozart the way most artists do--with amazement, humility, envy and finally with gratitude. For, in the end, the source of creation is available to all of us, and those who are blessed with genius are only messengers bringing good news to an otherwise dark, at times unbearable, world.
--F. Murray Abraham
He asked me what I thought of the worthy Mozart and all his sins. I replied, however, that I should be only too happy to renounce all my virtues in exchange for Mozart's sins.
--Felix Mendelssohn
Mozart Mythbusters's Details
Status:
In a Relationship
Zodiac Sign:
Cancer
Mozart Mythbusters is in your extended network view more
This site is dedicated to the dispelling of the numerous myths which surround Mozart's childhood, compositions, personality, relationships, and death.
TEN COMMON MOZART MYTHS
1. Leopold Mozart was a terrible father who used and mistreated his son.
2. Mozart completed all of his compositions in his head before he wrote them down.
3. Mozart's early compositions were actually written by Leopold.
4. Mozart's marriage to Constanze was happy and mutually satisfying.
5. Mozart died in poverty, and was buried in a pauper's grave.
6. Mozart had a love affair with Catarina Cavalieri.
7. Mozart and Salieri were enemies.
8. Salieri murdered Mozart by poisoning him.
9. Mozart died of overwork and alcoholism.
10. Mozart was rude, arrogant, and misbehaved in public.
The above common myths, as well as others will be reviewed and discussed. In addition, I will discuss the impact of the film, Amadeus upon Mozartean history and the propagation of the myths regarding Antonio Salieri and Mozart's untimely death.
I will also feature a discussion on how and why Mozart's widow, Constanze Weber, created the most common Mozart myth, that being that Mozart died in poverty and was actually buried in a pauper's grave.
Never was Mozart less recognizably a great man in his conversation and actions than when he was busied with an important work...Either he intentionally concealed his inner tension behind superficial frivolity, for reasons which could not be fathomed, or he took delight in throwing into sharp contrast the divine ideas of his music and these sudden outbursts or vulgar attitudes, and in giving himself pleasure by seeming to make fun of himself. I can understand that so exalted an artist can, out of a deep veneration for his Art, belittle and as it were expose to ridicule his own personality.
--Joseph Lange, brother-in-law of Mozart
Who I'd like to meet: I would like to meet anyone and everyone who is interested in learning, exploring, and discovering the truth about this incredible man, who we know as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and who, as well, wishes to dispell the myths created by the film, Amadeus.
For fifty years this idea that Mozart was merely a rococo composer was what most people thought about him, and the notion was supported by horrible plaster casts which made him look the perfect eithteenth-century dummy. I bought one of those busts when I was at school, but when I heard the G minor Quintete, I realized that it could not have been written by the smooth, white character on my mantel-piece and threw the bust in the wastepaper basket.
Many thanks for adding me as your friend. I love your great page and, if you like poetry, you can read my poems in my blog. i wish you a great day. Hervé:)
I cannot thank you enough for this Profile. It is both astonishing and aggravating to me how many myths have accumulated through the years! Your informative page helps me more than I can say as I often refer my misinformed correspondents to you.
