Mozart's Opinion of Beethoven's Music: An Anecdotal History

Throughout the annals of classical music, the relationship between Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven has been a topic of much interest. Much has been speculated about their interactions, Beethoven’s early influences, and how Mozart perceived the young virtuoso. A commonly cited anecdote mentions that when Beethoven, at a young age, was introduced to the revered Mozart, it was said that Mozart remarked, “He’ll go far.” However, the veracity of this claim remains uncertain. This article delves into the limited, often anecdotal, evidence that exists on how Mozart regarded Beethoven’s early works and their meeting.

The Young Beethoven and the Imposter of His Time

When Beethoven struck up his young years as a composer, he was frequently referred to as the new Mozart. Born a few years after Mozart, Beethoven inherited an enormous reputation. As a boy, Beethoven was indeed introduced to Mozart, who at that time was around 21 years older. The meeting is shrouded in much uncertainty, but records suggest that Beethoven was likely a child or a very young teenager when this encounter took place. This context is important because at the time, Mozart was flourishing in the late stages of his career, with many of his most acclaimed works such as the Requiem and his later symphonies already penned.

The Anecdotal Meeting and Mozart's Comments

According to various accounts, Beethoven performed a few early works for Mozart, and it seems that the elder composer was not especially impressed. This accounts for the impression of Mozart regarding Beethoven's early work. Some versions of this story claim that Mozart humbly complimented the young Beethoven, adding, "Some day you will give the world something to listen to." This quip underscores the foresight and prescience that many attributed to Mozart, even if the actual phrasing or delivery of the compliment remains uncertain. While the exact wording is debated, the sentiment is undeniably clear.

A Challenge for Improvisation

The anecdote also mentions a minor interaction between the two geniuses where Mozart instructed Beethoven to improvise on a given theme. This episode not only demonstrates Mozart's keen interest in the young talent but also serves as a testament to the advanced skills that Beethoven already exhibited even at that age. Such an assignment would have taxed the improvisational abilities of any aspiring composer and suggests that Mozart was truly impressed by Beethoven’s innate musical ability. While the quality of Beethoven’s improvisation is not recorded, the fact that Mozart chose to challenge him in this way is significant.

The True Interactions of Mozart and Beethoven

Despite the many intriguing accounts and anecdotes that surround Mozart and Beethoven, there is surprisingly little concrete evidence of any direct interactions between the two. The historical record is sparse, and most of what we know comes from second-hand accounts or folklore. The early years of Beethoven's life, particularly his interactions with notable composers of the time, are not well-documented. Any claims about Mozart’s opinion of Beethoven’s music, or the encounters themselves, must be taken with a grain of salt.

A Legendary Opener and Enduring Legacy

It’s often said that when Mozart pen them that the phrase “He’ll go far” was his response to Beethoven’s early works. However, the precise nature of this comment and the exact phrasing have been the subject of much debate. The story has likely evolved over time, embellished by various storytellers and authors who aim to highlight the legendary status of Mozart. Nonetheless, whether these words were ever spoken remains a matter of speculation.

Conclusion

While much remains uncertain about Mozart's opinion of Beethoven’s music and their interactions, the legacy of these geniuses continues to captivate us. Despite the limited evidence, the stories that surround their meeting and the early impressions they left on each other add an air of romance and intrigue to the history of classical music. The anecdotes, as much as the facts, contribute to our understanding of these two towering figures of Western musical history.