The New Orleans crescent. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1866-1869, 1868-05-10
Mo.Art,. oxen Waltz.

The sensitive nature of Mozart, that sweetest Of
all musical composers, is well known. The
slightest discord produced in him severe rrita-
ton. and when engaged In musical composition
his feeling grew SO intense that he almost lost con
sciousness OF all going on around him. story is
told in Whitney's Musical Guest which strikingly
illustrates this. Mozart asengaged in arranging
one Of the most beautiful airs in an opera he was
composing, when the butcher called for his pay,
which had long been due. In vain his wife en-.
deavored TO attract the attention of the wrapt
artist, who scrubbed away utterly unconscious Of
her presence.
She ran down stairs with tears in her eyes, tell
ing the butcher that her husband could not be
spoken to, and that be mnst come another time.
But the man of blood was not easily 10 be
daunted; he must have his bill settled, and speak
with Mozart himself and he would not send him
another ounce Of meat. He assembled the stairs.
Mozart, distinctly conscious that something had
passed in his presence, had continued pouring the
erusions OF his fantasia on paper, when the heavy
footsteps resounded in the hall. His stick was at
hand. Without turning his eyes from the sheet, he
held his stick agsinst the door to keep out the in
truder.
But the steps were approaching. Mozart, more
anxious, hurried as fast as he could, when rap
at the door demanded permission TO enter. The
beautiful efusion was in danger of being lost.
The sfiTighted composer cast a furtive glance at
his stick IL was too short. With anxiety border
ing on frenzy he looked around the ROOM aud
pole standing behind the curtain caught his eye
this be seized, holding II with all his might
against the door writing like fury all the while.
The knob was turned, but the pole withstoOd the
first effort. A pause succeeded. Words we're
heard on the staircase, and the iniruders renewed
their efforts a second time. But the strength
of the composer seemed 10 increase with his anX-
iety. Large drops Of Precipitation stood on his
forehead. Stemming the pole against his left
breast with the force of despair he still kept out
the visitors. He succeeded for a moment, yet 1t
was precious moment-the delightful air was
poured upon the paper IL was saved
"Mr. Mozart, said the butcher
" Halt halt!n said the composer, setting the
manuscript, aud hurrying toward the panO-torte
Down be sat, and the most delightful air that was
ever heard responded from the instrument. The
eyes OF his wife, and even OF the butcher began
TO mOisten. Mozart finished the tune, rose again,
and. running TO the writing desk, he filed out
what was wanting
We'll. Mr.. Mozart" said the butcher. when
the artist had finished, " you know that | am to
"No. | do not" said Mozart, who had some
what recovered from his musical trance.
well, then, you know il now, and you also
know that you owe me money for neat
81 do,n said Mozart with a sigh.
"Never mind' said the man, under whose
blood stained coat beat a feeling heart; yOu
make fine waltz for my marriage ball. and will
cancel the debt, and let you have meat for year
80 come"
al is bargain F" cried the lively and gifted
Mozart; and down he sat, and waltz was elected
from the instrument-such a waltz as tas butcher
had never before heard.
'.Meat for year dis say - exclaimed the en-
raptured butcher. mo one hundred duca.s you
shall have for this waltz. bat want Il with trum-
pets and horns, and iddles-you know best-and
soon. toOln
"You shall have Il so.n said Mozart. who could
scarcely trust his ears. and in one hour you may
send for it.n
The liberal minded butcher retired. In anhour
the waltz was set in full orchestra music. The
butcher returned, was delighted with the music,
and paid Mozart his one hundred dOcats-a sum
more splendid than he had ever received from the
emperor for the greatest Of his operas
Ii Ia 70 this incident that the lovers OF harmony
are indebted for one OF the most charming tribes,
the celebrated oxen waltz-s piece OF music still
unrvalled.