The story of Mozart’s early successes often overlooks the harsh reality of his and his family’s struggles, particularly during their time in Vienna. Far from the romanticized tales of a prodigious genius, the reality was one of disappointment, failure, and unmet expectations. This chapter in Mozart’s life serves as a stark reminder that not all was as it seemed behind the scenes.

The Humiliation of La Finta Semplice

In 1768, the young Wolfgang, at just twelve years old, was tasked with composing the opera La Finta Semplice (The Feigned Simpleton), a challenge that proved too great. Despite Leopold Mozart’s fervent efforts to present his son as a child prodigy, capable of remarkable feats, the opera was met with harsh criticism and suspicion. Many in Vienna believed that the music had not been composed by Wolfgang at all, but rather by his father, or that the work was simply too poor to be performed.

The opera was riddled with errors, particularly in its handling of the Italian language and prosody, which was crucial for opera. Words were mispronounced, syllables were misplaced, and the music itself was simplistic and repetitive, failing to meet the standards expected by the Viennese audience. The performers, unimpressed by the quality of the work, refused to stage it, leading to a complete collapse of the project. The impresario, Afflisio, known for being a shrewd and sometimes unscrupulous businessman, quickly recognized the deficiencies in the opera and refused to invest further in what he saw as a doomed venture.

The Fallout: A Tarnished Reputation

Leopold’s attempts to salvage the situation only made matters worse. Despite his desperate pleas and efforts to promote the opera, the Viennese court and public remained unconvinced. The involvement of Leopold in the composition became increasingly apparent, particularly in the detailed corrections and revisions he made to the score. This only further fueled the belief that Wolfgang was not the musical genius his father claimed him to be.

The failure of La Finta Semplice had significant repercussions. The Mozarts were not only humiliated in Vienna but also faced consequences back in Salzburg. Leopold’s reputation suffered greatly, with the Archbishop of Salzburg suspending his salary and expressing his displeasure at the whole debacle. The family’s future in Salzburg became uncertain, prompting Leopold to consider a drastic change.

The Italian Escape

Facing a hostile environment in both Vienna and Salzburg, Leopold decided that the only way to restore their fortunes was to leave Austria and embark on a tour of Italy, the heartland of music. He hoped that Italy would offer the opportunities and recognition that had eluded them in Vienna. With Wolfgang’s youth still an asset, despite his growing age, Leopold meticulously planned the trip, securing letters of recommendation and financial support.

However, the decision to leave Salzburg came at a cost. Nannerl, Wolfgang’s sister, and their mother were left behind, forced to live in relative obscurity while Leopold and Wolfgang pursued fame and fortune in Italy. The journey to Italy marked a turning point for the Mozart family, as they sought to escape the shadow of their failures and start anew.