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Posted on July 6, 2010 by June

What is called music today often, to me, sounds more like a roar of rebellion or a demo of notes rolled around in the latest vocal fashion. Of course, I know this immediately sets me up as an old fogey critic. But hey, it’s not as though my definition of music is just the product of my “Donna Reed” generation. Plato said, “Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.” And if you dismiss this as Platonic romanticism, consider Nietzsche’s assessment that “Without music life would be an error.” Plato and Nietzsche would, I feel, agree that the most brilliant musician and composer who ever lived would be the divine Mozart. He performed as a child prodigy, and continued to play and compose until he died at the tragically young age of 35. And since he was on familiar terms with many of the high and mighty of his world, won many awards and generally displayed his phenomenal gifts to the power brokers of the day, you would think he would have had a relatively comfortable life.

Not so! Mozart had a lot in common with many of us today. He overspent in order to keep up appearances. He could not obtain a position that would cover the numerous expenses of a renowned artist. Though he worked feverishly, he could not get a job with a steady income and was dependent on temporary commissions. Struggling to pay off his many creditors, he could not support himself and the young family that he dearly loved.

To add to his misery he had to live with his cruel father’s accusation that he had neglected his beloved mother when she was living with him in Paris and was responsible for her death. Sensitive and sincere behind his public mask, Mozart was pierced to the heart by such an accusation of irresponsibility.

Though I loved the beautiful movie Amadeus, I feel many have concluded that Mozart was a kind of clown as a result of seeing the film. They fail to consider the political scene in which he had to live and to understand that playing the buffoon sometimes deflected the social, paternal, and professional animosities with which he had to deal.

Mozart’s true character is written in his music. It is there that we can feel the beating of his great heart. Plato would have loved Mozart. For Mozart’s music does indeed ” give soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to everything.” Yes, Plato would have loved Mozart!