AN EXPLANATION OF HOW I CAME TO BE HERE
(Am I alive? Am I dead? How should I know!)
I do not know how it happened. It was as if I awoke from a bad dream to find myself alone in my favorite apartment, the Camesina House in the Grosse Schulerstrasse, but my wife was married to one Georg Nissen, my sons were grown, but I was still 35 years of age. Basta! It is enough to give one a most plaguing headache when one endeavors to weary one's noodle over it for very long.
When Primus, my valet and hairdresser, led my visitors in, I immediately recognized one as an old friend from my childhood, Dr. Anton Mesmer. As you may or may not know, the good doctor is the gentleman who is responsible for discovering a rudimentary form of hypnotism, or mesmerism as we call it.
“My dear Wolfgang!” He exclaimed, shaking my hand vigorously. “I would like you to meet my colleague, the illustrious Count St. Germain.”
My curiosity was immediately piqued for I had heard all manner of rumor and speculation about him in my Masonic Lodge. By all appearances he seemed completely mortal, but one must be cautious when scrutinizing a Time Lord and alchemist of his caliber and notoriety. Of course, one could not help but marvel at the many gems and precious stones he wore in rings, buttons and lapel pins.
Without pretension we introduced ourselves and, although I immediately made him out to be a pensive and quiet gentleman, I perceived that he had something he wished to say to me. I showed my esteemed visitors into the main salon and poured wine for each of us.
“I have with me a contraption, Herr Mozart,” the Count began in his basso profundo voice, “by which you would be able to communicate with people in the future -- a time in human history when your music enjoys great fame and you yourself are greatly loved -- the 21st century. What do you think of that, my good fellow?”
I quickly did the math.
“Two-hundred years!?” I cried. "I will be remembered that long? Potz Sapperlot! Papa was right all along!" I let a long breath escape my lips and took a copious draught from my glass. “Two-hundred years,” I repeated.
“Precisely," he said with a secret smile and narrowed eyes. He leaned toward me, speaking sotto voce, pinning me with his intense black eyes. "My machine is called a computer. I brought it back with me from my last sojourn into the future. Are you interested, Mozart?”
“Of course, Herr Count! I am above all things a curious man.”
He cleared his throat and took a sip of his wine.
“There is only one condition attached to my proposal,” he said, “and that is this: although you can peer into the future, see the things those people see, hear their music, and learn the things they know -- even make friends -- you cannot in fact bring any material thing from that time back here.”
He sat back in my blue damask wing back, crossed one leg over his knee and brushed a piece of lint from his shoe. “You may keep the computer for up to five years.”
I do not need to tell you that I was excited beyond measure at this fortuitous and intriguing opportunity.
“Will it cost me anything?” I asked apprehensively.
“No, but once you return it, everything you have learned and all of the people you have met will be forgotten, as if it never happened. You will not even remember our visit here today.”
Thus it was that this machine, or “Magic Box” as I call it, came into my possession. How long will I keep it? I do not know, so let us make the most of this time that we can!
..
Who I'd like to meet:
Every beautiful and gifted lady out there who sings opera, plays an instrument, or composes!
Even now that care which on thy crown attends And with thy happy greatness daily grows Tells me, thrice sacred Queen, my muse offends, And of respect to thee the line outgoes. One instant will, or willing can, she lose, I say not reading, but receiving rhymes, On whom in chief dependeth to dispose What Europe acts in these most active times?
Yet dare I so, as humbleness may dare, Cherish some hope they shall acceptance find, Not weighing less thy state, lighter thy care, But knowing more thy grace, abler thy mind. What heav'nly pow'rs thee highest throne assigned, Assigned thee goodness suiting that degree: And by thy strength thy burden so defined, To others toil, is exercise to thee.
Cares though still great, cannot be greast still, Business must ebb, though leisure never flow: Then these, the posts of Duty and Goodwill, shall press to offer what their senders owe, Which once in two, now in one subject go, The poorer left, the richer reft away, Who better might (oh, "might": ah, word of woe!) Have giv'n for me what I for him defray.
by Mary Sidney Herbert, the Countess of Pembroke (Dedicatory Poem in the Tixall Manuscript of the Sidney Psalms)
My dear Herr Mozart, after a fresh replenishment of the Imperial tokay in the keeping of Da Ponte, overcoming that Italianate irascibility, and he is ever more minded to pursue the Opera and I abide in some joy. Such a mood is only heightened as I hear of the coming arrival of your esteemed father to Vienna. I hope I might be permitted to join the two of you at supper for discussions of music and composition in a convivial spirit. Your devoted friend, Prince Buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz-man von Russland
I have finally concluded the necessary arrangements concerning the journey to Vienna. I shall be arriving via the Kärntnertor at about 8:30 on Friday morning. Would you please meet me at the customs house there, or send someone to assist me with my luggage?
I look forward to embracing you once again and looking at your latest compositions.
I have only just arrived in Vienna and am still regaining my strength from my journey but I have already received post from your father. I was pleased to see he would be in town while I was! If an old friend can assist you in your preparation for your father's arrival, I should be happy to lend a hand. Might I suggest a rousing round of wine to gather everyone's spirits?
Thank you Wolfgang, I greatly admire all the interesting and amazing talents you have and I am so honored for this friendship with you. Please keep in touch.
Ich danke dem Meister für das Akzeptieren meiner Freundschaft und freue mich auf neue Kompositionen....?! Tausend Dank dass es Sie gegeben hat! Ihre ergebene Lilo