MozartrazoM
Georg Nissen and the Missing Notebooks
Article written by H. S. Brockmeyer
After Mozart’s death, his widow, Constanze, found a steadfast partner in Georg Nikolaus von Nissen, a Danish diplomat who dedicated his life to preserving the composer’s legacy. Nissen not only compiled an extensive biography of Mozart but also uncovered and safeguarded many of his compositions. Driven by a deep admiration for Mozart, Nissen even embarked on a secret investigation into the mysterious circumstances of the composer’s death, a pursuit that reflects his unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth.
“Nissen certainly realized the dangers of exposing the murder should it have been
perpetrated by a powerful group with deep connections to the Court.”
Echoes of a Distant Crime: Resolving the Mozart Cold Case File
After the death of the legendary composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, his widow, Constanze, remarried in 1809 to Georg Nikolaus von Nissen, a Danish diplomat and passionate admirer of Mozart’s work. This union not only provided stability for Constanze and her children but also set in motion one of the most remarkable efforts to preserve Mozart’s legacy.
Georg Nicolaus Nissen after painting by Jagemann.
Nissen was a man of diverse talents—a poet, amateur musician, and, above all, a devoted supporter of Mozart. His deep respect for the composer led him to compile an extensive biography of Mozart, a monumental work that spanned over 900 pages and was published posthumously in 1829. Nissen’s dedication to this project consumed much of his life, as he meticulously collected documents, letters, and musical scores, often working late into the night.
Yet, Nissen’s efforts went beyond mere biography. He discovered hundreds of Mozart’s compositions hidden in a closet in Constanze’s apartment, which he carefully cataloged and sold, ensuring that these masterpieces would not be lost to history.
Interestingly, Nissen also harbored suspicions regarding the mysterious circumstances surrounding Mozart’s death. In his final years, he pursued a private investigation, corresponding with close friends and seeking to uncover what he believed was a potential murder plot. His determination to reveal the truth was so profound that, in a secret letter to his stepson Wolfgang, Nissen urged him to continue this investigation after his death, warning of the dangers involved and even involving the King of Denmark as a witness to his testament.
Georg Nikolaus von Nissen’s Letter in 1826 to Step-son Wolfgang Xaver
to Expose Mozart’s Violent End
Image reproduced with permission from the Mozarteum Foundation.
Nissen’s legacy is a testament to his unwavering dedication to Mozart and his relentless pursuit of the truth. Though his final investigation into Mozart’s death remains inconclusive, his contributions to preserving and promoting the composer’s work are invaluable, making him an integral figure in the history of classical music.
To delve deeper into this fascinating story about Georg Nikolaus von Nissen and his connection to Mozart, you can download the full document from the link below.
You May Also Like
The Vienna Disaster
The failure of La Finta Semplice in Vienna was a turning point for the Mozart family, revealing the cracks in the facade of Wolfgang’s prodigious reputation and prompting a desperate escape to Italy in search of redemption.
The Myth of Mozart’s Sight-Reading Genius
Mozart’s so-called sight-reading miracles were less about supernatural talent and more about clever improvisation, as two key 18th-century witnesses make clear.
The Hidden Legacy of Michael Haydn
Mozart’s Symphony No. 37, K.444, is more Haydn than Mozart. How did this happen? A story of deception and misattribution unfolds.
The Myth of Mozart’s Education
For centuries, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart has been celebrated as a musical prodigy, effortlessly composing masterpieces from a young age. However, when we peel back the layers of myth surrounding his early education, a different picture emerges—one in which his father, Leopold Mozart, plays a far more controlling and influential role than is often acknowledged. This article explores the true nature of Mozart’s education, examining how much of his early works can be attributed to his own genius, and how much was the product of his father’s meticulous and often self-serving guidance. Was Wolfgang’s brilliance entirely his own, or was it a crafted image designed by Leopold?
The Myth of Mozart’s Childhood
Mozart’s childhood is often romanticised, but behind the myth lies a more complex reality. This post explores the hidden dynamics within his family, questioning the traditional narrative of Mozart's early years and shedding light on the forgotten role of his sister,...
Bohemia or Moravia: Reconfiguring Music History
Why does music history insist on an Austrian narrative, when the contributions of other nations are just as crucial?