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THE CREATORS OF MUSIC PERFORMED AT TANGLEWOOD
MOZART'S LIFE JOURNEYS
by Richard Erlanger
It is often said that the Berkshires, especially Tanglewood is the "Salzburg of America". Its summer music festival is world famous, performing classics of the great composers by the incomparable Boston Symphony orchestra. Of course, no music festival program would be complete without a concert program dedicated to WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART. During the 2000 summer season, two all Mozart programs were performed.
Likewise, the city of Salzburg, Austria celebrates music in the same way. The internationally famous Salzburg Music Festival was established for one main reason. Mozart was born here on January 27, 1756. Of course, things were very different in those days as opposed to the present.
In 1756, the political geography of Europe was radically different from that of today. The Austria of then did not include Salzburg. The Salzburg of then was a small city state, or "archbishopric", a souvenir remnant of the former Holy Roman Empire, ruled by Archbishop Graf Coloredo, a rather egotistical and narrow minded chief of state. Mozart's father, Leopold had become deputy Kapellmeister at his court.
Leopold was born in Augsburg, Bavaria (now part of modern Germany), and moved to Salzburg with the original intention of attending the university. He never completed his studies, in favor of seeking a musical career. Compared to his son, Leopold was a conservative disciplinarian, and although ambitious, he was satisfied to retain his position under the Archbishop. He enjoyed traveling, but was equally satisfied to return to Salzburg to pursue his duties. However, on January 27, 1756, that was destined to change.
In essence, he was very different from his father, almost to the point of being opposite, with one main exception. The younger Mozart loved to travel. But unlike his father, he was a fun-loving "imp" type of person. He enjoyed being the life of many parties and soirees which he loved going to. He was also a genius. Tom Hulce's portrayal of the composer in the film "Amadeus", revealed in many ways that "Wolfie" was an 18th century version of a "hippie".
Ever been to Salzburg? If you have seen the movie musical "The Sound of Music", you will already have had an introduction to this beautiful place. It's hard to believe that "Wolfie" ultimately had a contempt for Salzburg. But that comes later.
Salzburg is a relatively small city and a very interesting one as well. Getting around is very easy. Spending a day, seeing the town on foot is the best way. Most landmarks in the city are close enough to each other to enjoy a casual walking tour. There are buses and taxis as well, but it's best to save those conveniences for larger cities like Vienna or Paris.
A WALKING TOUR OF SALZBURG
THE
MIRABELL PALACE AND GARDENS.
What a lovely place to
start one's visit! Originally called "Altenau", and built by
Archbishop Wolf Dietrich in 1606, and later reconstructed by Lukas von
Hildebrandt from 1701 to 1707, after a disastrous fire. The magnificent
monumental staircase is still used for weddings and gala events. Evening
candlelight concerts are performed in the State Rooms. The famous gardens
have statues designed by Fischer von Erlach, showing figures of Greek mythology
and odd-looking dwarfs.
Promenade across the tiny Salzach River to the other side of the city. Enjoy the changing perspectives of the city while enroute.
THE
GETREIDEGASSE
Once over the
bridge, one has arrived at the West Bank, which is the oldest part of the
city. At one time, this narrow medieval street was the main commercial
thoroughfare of the city. Mozart's birthplace is located at Number
9. His apartment is now an interesting museum, exhibiting several
artifacts preserved from the composer's childhood, including the "hammerclavier"
used by his father to teach him
But here we are in the Berkshires, looking forward to hearing his music performed at Tanglewood. Let's continue with his life story to find out how the music was born!
Click: Mozart's early years to continue.
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