Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1901-11-07

genius In every kind of composition
he produced works of the greatest ex-
cellence. He was the best pianist of
his time in Germany. He wrote 626
published works, and 294 compositions
either unfinished or unpublished. His
musical genius Exhibited itself early
In life, and a child in these days who
manifested such talent would be called
/ freak; but none Of such musical
genii of our country have amounted
10 much and ere the lapse of a decade
most Of them are forgotten. But Mo
zart's work is immortal.
He began to show the bent of his
genius in his sixth year by composing
pieces Of music which his father
played TO encourage his budding tai
ent. His progress did not slacken
HIS father, returning one day from
church with a friend, found his son oc-
cugied in writing.
What are you about, my dear?" he
demanded.
Il am composing a concerto for the
harpsichord; have almost finished
the first part"
Let us see this scrawl."
mo! if you please; l have not fin.
ished it
His father, however, took the paper,
and showed it to his friend. 1t was
a perfect scrawl of notes, hardly legi-
bic from the blOts of ink. The two
friends began TO laugh heartily at the
scribbling; but the father of Mozart,
scanning it atJentively, exclaimed:
See, my friend how exactly it is
composed by rule 'Tis pity we can
not make something out of this piece;
bat it is too difficult Nobody could
play 1t.
1T is q concerto replied young
Mozart, and should be well stuuled
before being performed. See, this is
the way it should begin"
lie then commenced playing it; but
succeeded in the performance only
well enough to discover his idea.
When six years of age his parents
moved to Munich. Here the elector
heard the musical prodigy and his
elder sister perform. They were en-
Enthusiastically applauded. The two
were presented at the Imperial court.
The famous Wagenseil happened to be
in Munich. Young Mozart, VINO pre-
ter to that of any other, begged the
emperor to allow Wagenseil to be
present at his performance.
Send for him" said the child. He
understands the thing"
Francis T. desired Wagenseil might
be called, and resigned to him his
place at the harpsichord.
Sir" said the young virtuosO, then
six years old, 81 am going to play one
of your concertos. You must turn
over the leaves for me-"
One says of this remarkable child
that each succeeding day discovered
fresh evidence of his extraordinary
talents. He could distinguish anC
point out the slightest variation O.
sound and every false and ever
harsh tone, not softeneG by some har
mony, was torture to him. The sount
of trumpet when not in concert witt
ether instruments was unbearable t.
him. Although this wonderful DO,
could not fail to observe the astonish
ment and admiration his talents eX
cited, he became neither forward no
vain. A man in talent he remained /;
sweet tempered and submissive child
Le never appeared the least out o
humor with the commands of his PAL
ents, of whatever nature they Nigh
be.
When Mozart attained the age c
seven years, his whole family left &c
many. The fame Of the young mus
clan had spread throughout Europ
Upon his arrival in Paris he was intr
duced to play the organ at Versatile
In the kings chapel, and in the pre-
ence of the whole court. At seven
published in Paris his first two work
Ia 1854 he left Paris for Englan
where he met with a cordial receptiC
both at court and in London.
He and his sister played the mo
difficult compositions of Bach al
Handel and other masters at fir
sight with the utmost accuracy and
the strictest time. 1t is said of hi
that on one occasion he executed fro
a written base alone a piece viii
formed the most enchanting harmon
Among his memoirs there are ma
anecdotes showing the transcende
genius of Mozart.
During his residence in England
composed six sonatas which he de
Gated TO the queen and printed in L.
don. In passing through France
his return to the continent he play
In most of the churches and monas
ries. Bear in mind this was befC
his tenth year of age.
In 1865 he entered with ardor VI
the study of the great masters of !
steal composition, Emmanuel Ba
Hasse and Handel and also the Ital
masters. Think of boy of 0
twelve conducting a grand mass in
presence OF an imperial court! =
Dis Mozart in 176S. In 1911 he "
witt his father into Italy and there
created the greatest wonder and
constituent at his performances.
ebrated musicians were transpol
with delight to hear his execution
the most difficult fugues on the h
sichord without the least hesita
and with the greatest possible pl
sion. 1t is said that Mozart met
his greatest success in singing
Miserere. 1t had such an effect |