18th-Century Characters, Including Frederick the Great, Discussion Post 34

[cahn]

And including Emperor Joseph II!

from Derek Beales: Joseph II, Volume 2: Against the World, 1780 - 1790:

Joseph's alleged comment to Mozart about the Entführung, "Too many notes", has been taken as evidence of his ignorance. But he probably said something like, "Too beautiful for our ears, and monstrous many notes." It is always necessary to bear in mind, when appraising the emperor's remarks, his peculiar brand of humor or sarcasm. He was usually getting at someone. And he did not use the royal "we". The ears in question were those of the Viennese audience, whom he was mocking for their limited appreciation of Mozart's elaborate music.

(though not gonna lie, I think it is a LOT of notes)

Comments

Re: Spring 1746: Clara the Rhino and Sibling letters

[selenak]

I wasn't familiar with the quote to AW. Good lord. Yes, Fritz, it will be an utter mystery why AW and Heinrich side with each other whenever you are argueing with either of them...

("The little prince", aka FW2: I got this, Dad. He's so going to be buried next to his father!)

To my surprise, the Berliner Nachrichten don't mention the rhino at all

That is strange. You'd think they'd be all over it. Unfortunately 1746 is too early for Lehndorff, who surely would have noticed it as well.

Re: Spring 1746: Clara the Rhino and Sibling letters

[felis]

Unfortunately 1746 is too early for Lehndorff

Something I've regretted before. Lehndorff, why couldn't your incredibly helpful self (save for anything Katte-related) be around from the beginning?!