Was Mozart Worried He Was Composing a Requiem for His Own Funeral?
Was Mozart Worried He Was Composing a Requiem for His Own Funeral?
Mozart's famous last work, the Requiem, has long been the subject of speculation. Many believe that he might have feared he was composing it for his own funeral. However, recent research and evidence have put these theories to rest. This article explores the actual circumstances surrounding Mozart's final days and the true nature of his concerns about the Requiem.
The Myth Debunked
The idea that Mozart thought the Requiem was for his own funeral originated from a letter written in Italian, supposedly to Lorenzo Da Ponte. However, this letter has been thoroughly debunked as a forgery. Modern scholars, with the aid of advanced forensic techniques, have conclusively proven that the letter is a 20th-century hoax. Thus, any notion that Mozart believed the Requiem was for his own funeral is based on this discredited piece of correspondence.
Mozart's Real Concerns
As Mozart's health rapidly deteriorated towards the end of his life, it is natural to assume that he had thoughts of mortality. However, his primary concern was completing the commission for the Requiem in order to secure his payments.
In those days, a commission was irrevocable, and the musical piece belonged to the commissioner. The composer could only make a one-time sale of a copy to a publisher, with no further payment or royalties. This situation was similar to the purchase of a painting, where the painter received a lump sum for the artwork and no further earnings from it.
Commission and Health
The Requiem was commissioned in September 1791, but Mozart didn't start working on it until November. His health took a sudden downturn, possibly due to a tuberculosis-like disease or kidney issues. Despite this, he didn't exhibit signs of significant stress or depression until his last month, when he likely contracted the "rheumatic fever" that was widespread in Vienna that winter. There is a letter he wrote in November where he mentions joking around during a performance of The Magic Flute, which contradicts the idea that he was deeply concerned about his impending death.
The Requiem Composition
The Requiem was commissioned by an Austrian nobleman to honor the passing of his wife. However, Mozart, in his final months, composed the parts that became the finished Requiem, leaving a significant portion of the work unfinished at the time of his death at just 35 years old. There is no evidence to suggest that Mozart had any serious health issues prior to his final month, except for the illness that eventually took his life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Mozart's health certainly deteriorated towards the end of his life, there is no evidence to support the belief that he thought the Requiem was for his own funeral. His primary concerns at the time were practical: ensuring he secured payment for his work and overcoming his physical ailments.