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: Wilhelmine's marriage hopes and expectations

[mildred_of_midgard]

Fair! Though it does at least suggest that she didn't mind people *thinking* she went into arranged marriages expecting love, and that they she didn't expect they would roll their eyes at how hopelessly naive and "Who even does that?" she was.

There was also Fritz telling her in 1731 to follow the considerations of her heart, which is the best guide in such matters, but that doesn't necessarily have to mean romantic love. It could mean that if she wants to be queen of England more than anything, she should hold out for that rather than trying to free him via an unwanted marriage.