Famous composers and their works, Vol. 2 — John Shaqi
Famous composers and their works, Vol. 2
History
Famous composers and their works, Vol. 2
Music -- History and criticism; Musicians
Minuet.]
[Illustration: VIEW OF SALZBURG.
From a photograph.]
[Illustration: MOZART IN HIS SIXTH YEAR.
The court dress was sent to him by the Empress Maria Theresa. Painter
unknown. Original in the Mozarteum in Salzburg. This is the earliest
portrait of Mozart.]
In 1762 Wolfgang and Maria Anna--the latter was now a pianoforte
virtuoso--played before the Elector of Bavaria in Munich, and the
enthusiasm provoked by their appearance was so great, that Leopold
obtained leave of absence in September of the same year and went with his
family to Vienna. At Passau the children played before the Bishop, who
marvelled greatly and gave the father a ducat. At Linz they gave their
first concert. They then descended the Danube to Vienna, stopping at the
monastery of Ips, where Wolfgang played so effectively upon the organ that
the Franciscan fathers left the dinner table that they might hear him;
which miracle is doubtless recorded in the annals of the abbey.
[Illustration: MOZART IN HIS NINTH YEAR.
Original in the Mozarteum, in Salzburg. On the bottom of the music--"Th.
Helbling juv. pinx."]
The Austrian imperial family was passionately fond of music. Francis the
First was a distinguished connoisseur, and Maria Theresa was a pupil of
Wagenseil, as well as an accomplished singer. The Mozart children were
received with open arms. The courtiers were astonished at the display of
genius. The Emperor spent hours in testing and wondering at the powers of
Wolfgang. The young Marie Antoinette romped with the boy who promised to
marry her when he was old enough.
[Illustration: MOZART IN HIS TENTH YEAR.
Painted by Dominicus van der Smissen, 1766. The original in possession of
Mr. R. Hörner, in Ulm.]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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