Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1868-05-02
MsZart's oxen WaI,z.


sweetest of all musical composers, is well
known. The slightest discord produced
in him severe irritation, and when engaged
in musical composition, his feeling grew so
intense that he almost lost consciousness of
all going on around him. A story is told
in Whitney's Musical Guest which striking
lv illustrates this. Mozart was engaged 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 endeavored TO
attract the att ention of the wrapt artist,
who scrubbed away utterly unconscious
of her presence.
She ran down stairs, with tears in her
eyes, telling the butcher that her husband
could not be spoken to, and that he must
come another time. But the man of blood
was not easily to be daunted-he must
have his bill settled, and speak with Mozart
himself-and he would not send him anOth-
er ounce of meat. He assembled the stairs.
Mozart, distinctly conscious that something
had passed In his presence, had continued
nouring the illusions of his fantasia on pa
Der when the heavy footsteps resOunded in
the hall. His stick was at hand. Without
turning his eyes from the sheet, he held
his stick against the door to keep out the
intruders.
But the steps were approaching. Mo-
Fart, more anxious. hurried as fast as he
could, when a rap at the door demanded
permission'to enter. The beautiful effusion
was in danger of being lost. The alright
ed composer cast furtive glance at his
stick-it was too short. With anxiety b0r-
derinc on frenzy he looked around the
room, and pole standing behind tho cur
tain caught his eye; this he seized, holding
it with all his might against the door, writ
ing like fury all the while. The knob was
turned, but the pole withstood the first
effort. A pause succeeded. Words were
heard on the staircase, and the intruders
renewed their efforts the the second time
But the strength of the composer seemed
to increase with his anxiety. Large drops
of perspiration stood on his forehead.
Stemming the pole against his left breast
with the force of despair, he still kept out
the visitors. He succeeded but for mo-
ment, vet it was a precious moment-the
delightful air was poured upon the papei-
it was saved
MIR. Mozart" said the butcher
Halt! haltln said the composer, Selling
the manuscript, and hurrying toward the
piano-forte. Down he 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 filled out
what was wanting.
s'Well, Mr.. MOzart,' said the butcher,
when the artist had finished, 'syou know
that / am to marry.o
mo, do not,n said Mozart, who had
somewhat recovered from his musical
trance.
swell, then, you know it now, and you
also know that you owe me money for
meat.
81 do.u said Mozart with sigh.
''Never mind,n said the man, under
whose blood-stained coat beat a feeling
heart; ''you make me fine waltz for my
marriage ball, and | will cancel the debt,
and let you have meat for year to
Gomez
at is a bargain!n cried the lively and
gifted Mozart; and down he sat, and a
waltz was elected from the instrument
such a waltz as the butcher had never be-
fore heard.
t'Meat for year, did / say?1 exclaimed
the enraptured butcher. s'Nol one hun
bred ducats you shall have for this waltz,
but / want it with trumpets. and horns,
and fiddIes-you know best-and soon,
tco!''s
s'You shall have it so, said Mozart, who
could scarcely trust his ears, "and in one
hour you may send for it."
The liberal minded butcher retired. In
an hour the waltz was set in full orchestra
music. The butcher returned. was delight
ed with the music, and paid Mozart his
one hundred ducats-a sum more splendid
than he had ever received from the Emper-
or for the greatest fhis operas.
1t is to this incident that the lovers of
harmony are indebted for one of the most
charming trifles, the celebrated oxen waltz
a piece of music still unrivalied