Mozart’s Mysterious Letter of July 5, 1791
Unveiling the Truth Behind the Drawing
Mozartrazom is proud to present an extraordinary investigation by H. S. Brockmeyer into the puzzling discrepancies surrounding one of Mozart’s letters to his wife, dated July 5, 1791. What began as a routine request for an image reproduction from the Royal Danish Library turned into a riveting journey uncovering altered artwork, forgotten journals, and a glimpse into Mozart’s personal anxieties during his final year.
H. Brockmeyer’s meticulous research uncovers that the widely reproduced drawing associated with this letter is, in fact, a doctored version. Through detective work and historical cross-referencing, she reveals Mozart’s original, unembellished sketch—a rare insight into his psyche, marked by fears of persecution.
But the mystery doesn’t stop there. Why was Mozart’s original drawing altered? Who decided to modify it, and what does this reveal about how Mozart’s legacy has been shaped over the centuries?
H. Brockmeyer’s article is a must-read for anyone intrigued by Mozart’s life and the intersection of art and historical narrative.
“Mozart was a great musician, but not a great artist; still, there was no need to change his drawing.”
H. S. Brockmeyer
The Mystery of Mozart’s July 5, 1791 Letter
H. Brockmeyer delves into a captivating mystery surrounding one of Mozart’s letters to his wife, written on July 5, 1791. The investigation reveals discrepancies in the artwork associated with the letter and sheds light on Mozart’s personal anxieties and the legacy of his correspondence.
A Search for the Original Letter
The inquiry began with a request to reproduce the drawing associated with the July 5 letter, widely reproduced in collections like The Letters of Mozart & His Family. Directed to the Royal Danish Library, H. Brockmeyer learned that the letter was part of the Boye family donation, likely originating from Constanze Mozart’s time in Denmark. However, the letter did not include the drawing being sought, raising questions about its authenticity.
The Role of the Royal Danish Library
Thanks to the efforts of librarian Laura Søvsø Thomasen, the original drawing was discovered in an 1890 Danish literary journal, Literatur Og Kritik. This journal featured three letters from Mozart, including the July 5 letter with the original sketch. The discovery offered a side-by-side comparison of Mozart’s original drawing and a more “artistic” version that had replaced it in modern reproductions.
Mozart’s Original Drawing vs. the Altered Version
The two drawings differ significantly. Mozart’s original is simplistic and raw, while the altered version attempts to make it appear more polished. The article suggests this modification reflects a deliberate effort to enhance Mozart’s legacy, perhaps to mask his lack of artistic skill in visual arts. Both drawings, however, reveal a similar emotional tone—Mozart’s fear of persecution in his final year.
Historical Context and Legacy
The altered drawing adds to the broader narrative of how Mozart’s legacy has been shaped posthumously. Constanze, known for gifting Mozart-related items, may have played a role in disseminating the letters. Furthermore, the enigmatic tone of Mozart’s correspondence during 1791 is highlighted, referencing his sense of rejection and precarious circumstances.
Conclusion
H. Brockmeyer’s article not only uncovers a significant discrepancy in Mozart scholarship but also raises questions about how historical figures are curated for posterity. The discovery of the original drawing brings us closer to understanding Mozart as a person—flawed, anxious, and yet profoundly human.
You May Also Like
Mozart’s K 71: A Fragment Shrouded in Doubt and Uncertainty
Mozart’s K 71, an incomplete aria, is yet another example of musical ambiguity. The fragment’s authorship, dating, and even its very existence as a genuine Mozart work remain open to question. With no definitive evidence, how can this fragment be so confidently attributed to him?
Unpacking Mozart’s Early Education
The story of Ligniville illustrates the pitfalls of romanticizing Mozart’s early life and education, reminding us that the narrative of genius is often a construct that obscures the laborious aspects of musical development.
The False Sonnet of Corilla Olimpica
Leopold Mozart’s relentless pursuit of fame for his son Wolfgang led to questionable tactics, including fabricating a sonnet by the renowned poetess Corilla Olimpica. This desperate attempt to elevate Wolfgang’s reputation casts a shadow over the Mozart legacy.
Mozart’s K 73A: A Mystery Wrapped in Ambiguity
K.143 is a prime example of how Mozart scholarship has turned uncertainty into myth. With no definitive evidence of authorship, date, or purpose, this uninspired recitative and aria in G major likely originated elsewhere. Is it time to admit this is not Mozart’s work at all?
A Farce of Honour in Mozart’s Time
By the time Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart received the Speron d’Oro, the once esteemed honour had become a laughable trinket, awarded through networking and influence rather than merit. Far from reflecting his musical genius, the title, shared with figures like Casanova, symbolised ridicule rather than respect.
The Legend of Mozart’s Miserere
The enduring popularity of the narrative surrounding Mozart’s Miserere highlights the allure of the prodigy myth, but as we peel back the layers, we uncover a more nuanced picture of his life and the musical landscape of the time. The reality often contrasts sharply with the romanticized tales that have shaped our understanding of his genius.