PREFACE

Summary

The only biographical notice of Mozart in English is a translation from the French of Bombet (M. Beyle), itself a translation from the German of Schlictegroll—a sketch too short and scanty to satisfy the interest of the subject, although quite enough to pique public curiosity. With the exception of occasional fragments in magazines and reviews, little more is known in England of the life of the musician, its struggles, varied incidents, and influence upon art; or of the brilliant reputations that clustered round him. The object of the following pages is to supply this deficiency.

To Nissen, who married the widow of Mozart, we are indebted for an elaborate collection (in the original German) of the musician's correspondence, m which his character and genius are revealed with the most charming candour and simplicity. But this work is valuable chiefly for its materials; the compiler undertook it in his old age, when he had lost his memory, and was incapable of reducing his papers to a systematic arrangement. He died over the book and left it in confusion. All the essential details of that publication are carefully preserved in their natural order in this volume; and the author's highest ambition will be gratified, if it be found that nothing of value or interest has been suffered to escape.

Every available source of information has been diligently explored to render this memoir complete; and the author has endeavoured throughout, as much as possible, to let Mozart tell his own story.