Carlyle Johnson

Frau Mozart Remembers Carlyle Johnson

Wolfgang Mozart first meets the Webers in Mannheim, when he (accompanied by his mother) stops over during a pilgrimage intended to find an appropriate court position for a twenty-two-year-old former child prodigy--now grown, forgotten, and jobless. Constanze finds herself curiously fascinated with the young composer, but languishes as Mozart devotes himself entirely to the pursuit of her older sister, Aloysia. Failing to secure a position in Mannheim, Mozart travels on to Paris, where he is likewise unsuccessful. His domineering father orders him to return to Salzburg, where a lowly court position in the retinue of the Prince-Archbishop is available. He visits Vienna, where Aloysia has now become a star of the Opera. When Wolfgang turns his attention to Constanze, the relationship becomes intense. Her mother at first objects strongly, but changes her mind as Mozart gains renown and the favor of the Emperor. Mozart and Constanze are wed, despite the disapproval of his father. In ten years of marriage, Constanze bears six children. Two survive. Constanze is plagued with bouts of depression while Wolfgang's career blooms. The family income, for a time, is substantial. But both are poor managers, and overspend. Mozart is reduced to begging his lodge brothers for loans, which he seldom pays back. He becomes ill, and suspects that someone is slowly poisoning him. Mozart dies a painful death at thirty-five, and is buried in an unmarked grave under desperate circumstances. Constanze is left impoverished and pregnant. Rumors surface about Wolfgang's alleged infidelities. The paternity of the child Constanze was carrying when her husband died is questioned. But some truths... and some secrets... must die with her.