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: Catherine the Great (Massie) - Ch 1-7

[cahn]

Also, Uncle George keeping it a secret and telling Sophie not to tell anyone does not sound like okay behaviour even for the 18th century.

Yeah, Massie kinda... did not mention that part. I'm getting the distinct impression that Massie kind of leaves out a lot :P (On the other hand I'm giving him points for mentioning Sophie teenage masturbation passage, lol!)

Your thoughts make so much sense! Massie did hint at some of this -- he mentions the French rejecting the idea of Elizaveta as Louis XV's bride, for instance -- but not enough for me to make the connections, and your putting it all together like this is very helpful, thank you!

Re: Catherine the Great (Massie) - Ch 1-7

[mildred_of_midgard]

(On the other hand I'm giving him points for mentioning Sophie teenage masturbation passage, lol!)

Ha! But all modern biographers that I've read mention this. :P I certainly wasn't reading her memoirs when I was a teenager, and I remembered it vividly.