Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart/
Josef Mysliveček:
Decade

Josef Mysliveček, known as "Il Boemo" (i.e., the Czech), was one of the most talented composers of the second half of the 18th century. In his time, he was among the most successful and widely respected composers. Aside from his fleeting contemporary popularity, his scores often reveal moments of pure genius. According to a Florentine obituary (February 17, 1781), “he was at almost all the courts of Europe, where his abilities received great praise, and he formed friendships with the greatest personalities.”

If we set aside the lasting interest in his instrumental music, especially in the German-speaking lands (since 1764), he had a meteoric career in Italy as a composer of opera and oratorio ("Maestro Compositore"), and during the 1770s, he was one of the most sought-after composers for major opera houses, even in the face of strong competition.

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Today, we have nearly thirty documents that testify to the relationship between Josef Mysliveček and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, describing their first meeting, mutual artistic respect, and sincere friendship, which, with various twists and turns, lasted until Mysliveček’s death. An important, and not always positive, role in their relationship was played by Wolfgang's father, Leopold, who critically judged Mysliveček's actions and, with the best of intentions to protect his son from bad examples and promote his interests, closely observed the pragmatic aspects, trying to guide Wolfgang’s relationship with the Czech composer.

“Simona Šaturová, who, like Lucia Popp and Edita Gruberová, hails from Bratislava, is nothing short of a little Mozartian miracle. She sings Konstanze with such unshakable coloraturas, heartfelt pianissimos, and stylistic perfection that it takes your breath away.” [Der neue Merker]