Jan 27 2009
Happy Birthday Mozart! Mozart in Literature…
Today, January 27 (1756), marks the birthday anniversary of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Last week a fellow Mozartean-friend asked if I had any plans for his birthday. We always pay him a tribute, through an article and/or listening to a particular music he composed.
Since this blog is about literature, I’ve been trying to figure out how I can relate the master to literature. Voila! I suddenly remembered a discussion I had with someone from one of my Mozart groups, regarding to Mozart in literature.
I’d like to thank a fellow Mozartean, Terry, who called my attention to a poem written by English novelist and poet Thomas Hardy. His poem is entitled “Lines To A Movement in Mozart’s E-Flat Symphony.”
From my notes, there are four stanzas, all with the same rhythm. Here’s the first stanza:
“Show me again the time
When in the Junetide’s prime
We flew by meads and mountains northerly! -
Yea, to such freshness, fairness, fulness, fineness, freeness,
Love lures life on.” — Thomas Hardy.
I wish that some readers out there will share any similar information in which Mozart is referenced in literature.
Related link to Mozart:
Mozart and Classical Music Lounge
- o0o -
Thank you Agnes. It feels good to find a common Mozart friend.
I’ve been thinking of the choral coach I met at Mozarteum who took me to the library to meet your friend. His name escapes me.
Tel
I’m happy and thrilled that your wonderful comment finally got through, Daisy. I’m sorry for all the lost ones. Cyberlimbo.
If I remember right, I’ve written about some of the operas you mentioned at Suite101, but not sure about the one by LeRoux’s.
Btw, earlier I was listening to Mozart’s Quintet in E-flat, something I haven’t been listening to.
I enjoy your insights. Hope to find your comments again.
Tel
Thank you dear Tell for this article,
of course it is a special day.
Today i listened to KV 427.
I thought of all the special things Mozart brought to me.
Last Saturday i visted the little museum from Grety –composer
1743-1813.–
Hi Wim,
Thanks for reminding me about KV 427.
Wishing Salzburg is nearby.
You mean Gretry, the French composer? Been meaning to write about him since last year.
Thanks for the comment.
Danke Tel for your article on Wolfgang’s special day. Here in Vienna I quietly celebrated his birthday by watching his Mass in C on german TV of a 2002 performance in Baden-Baden. Wunderbar!
Here’s a short poem by Sara Teasdale (1884-1933) about Mozart called “A Minuet of Mozart’s”:
Across the dimly lighted room
The violin drew wefts of sound,
Airily they wove and wound
And glimmered gold against the gloom.
I watched the music turn to light,
But at the pausing of the bow,
The web was broken and the glow
Was drowned within the wave of night.
Hi Hollywood, This is beautiful. You’ve just added to my collection of Mozart in literature.
Thank you so much.
Tel
A belated happy birthday to Wolferl!
this year Mozart’s birthday happens to be the second day of the Chinese New Year of Ox. Everybody here has been busy recently, but I haven’t forgotten this important day.
Thanks for the literature sharing, dear Tel! It is a lovely poem. And thanks to Daisy for the information. I’ve always wondered if Don Juan Triumphant had something to do with Don Giovanni. Now i understand.
All the best to all my Mozart friends!
ruby
Hi Marti,
What a lovely Happy Birthday song. Thanks.
Will have to listen to Serenade 7 in D soon. Last month I was obviously wrapped up with Requiem.
Best,
Tel