To soothe the savage breast
Writing to his father from Paris (1778), Mozart described his fruitless attempts to teach composition to the Duc de Guines’ daughter (intriguingly, Mozart considered teaching music a “science”). His father suggested he persist patiently, adding, “. . . should Monsieur le Duc hear some little thing composed by his daughter, he will be beside himself with pleasure”.
The implication was “and surely be disposed to increase your fees”, for, in truth, the erstwhile child prodigy was having a torrid time, struggling for every penny. Mozart mentioned that “[the Duc] plays the flute incomparably, and she magnificently on the harp”. The Duc commissioned a concerto, affording Mozart another opportunity to rise in the Duc’s estimation.
Unfortunately, “estimation” was all: the Duc and his money were not soon parted, while Mozart and Money, it seems, would always mix like wax and water.
Filed under: Politics & economics
I particularly like the second video where the flute comes in to play.
Am in agreement with you there, CherryPie.