When in 1780, Wolfgang Amadeus learned that his first love, Aloysia, had just married another, he did not despair or contemplate suicide. (Notice. Göethe had not yet given to the world his Sorrows of Young Werther...). Instead, he turned a little and set his sights on the black eyes of Konstanze, who was nineteenth, one year younger than her sister Aloysia and was just over there, hanging around.
They married in 1782, and the following years, up until he died in 1791, were probably the happiest in Wolfgang's entire life. Two years later and still deeply in love, Konstanze and Wolfgang would write to Mozart's sister, Nannerl, on the eve of her marriage: "We wish that you two will live together as harmoniously as we two".
They immersed themselves in the dazzling artistic life of the Vienna of those years. The year 1785 found Mozart totally dedicated to his intense musical life; a period that proved to be very productive regarding publications.
Because of its popularity, the Concerto for piano and orchestra No. 20 in D minor stands out amongst his work of that time.
Beethoven, by then a fifteen years old lad, would maintain this concert in his repertoire for many years. Additionally, he would compose the cadenzas (i.e. the solo sections improvised by the interpreter or played according to prepared guidelines) for this and other concerts.
Piano Concerto No 20, in D minor, K. 466
I have chosen a rendition by the excellent Czech pianist Ivan Klansky, because of his amazing technique. He plays with such ease that his gestures seem to directly communicate with his emotions.
The work is in three movements:
00:00 Allegro
15:02 Romanza
23:53 Allegro assai
Roundabout the time of the composition of Concerto No. 20, Mozart's fame was already considerable. A Viennese newspaper, commenting on a concert, mentioned his "well-deserved reputation" and pointed out that Wolfgang was "known universally".
To be truthful, his main source of income was still his music lessons, but he also gave concerts with some regularity, playing as a piano soloist. In addition, there were the proceeds from his numerous publications. Considered individually, they were poorly paid, but the total amount of their sale would have helped him to make ends meet.
Last but not least, one has to consider the earnings accrued from the performances of his operas. Not all yielded all that Mozart would have liked, but some of them certainly did.
The economic straits
This is why is intriguing that the couple suffered persistent economic hardship, to the extreme that Mozart had to borrow money from some fellow Masons. At the same time, he would ask them to send him students, stressing the fact that he charged "low prices".
Several scholars blame poor Konstanze, accusing her of extravagance, frivolity, and a fondness for luxury. Part of it might be true. But we have to take into account that, if one year Konstanze was not pregnant it was only because she was sick. Therefore, I prefer the more pragmatic first-hand opinion of Nannerl: "My brother did not know how to run his finances, and Konstanze was unable to help him on this".
The myth
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart died on December 5, 1791, at the age of 35. The following day the myth of the mass grave and the storm was born. None of it is true. Although no one recorded the exact spot of his resting place, he was not buried in a pauper's grave. And on 6th of December, Vienna saw one of the most placid and sunny afternoons of that Autumn.
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